Hockey: Proud sticks lose out

The Dutch wasted no time in underlining their favouritism for the Champions Trophy with a comprehensive 5-2 win over a plucky New Zealand hockey team in the tournament opener in Lahore, Pakistan last night.

New Zealand twice battled back from a goal down to draw level with the tournament's top-ranked side, but in the end Holland's class told.

It was a reasonable showing by the Kevin Towns-coached side, who held the Dutch to 3-4 when they met in pool play at the Athens Olympics in August. But the New Zealanders were nervous early and gave up too much ball to their skilled opponents, who dominated in midfield.

That early hesitancy almost handed the Dutch a goal after just one minute, when defender Dean Couzins was too casual and allowed his challenger to steal possession, break deep and fire a shot into the side net.

Couzins again gave the ball away in the 10th minute, but Ronald Brouwer made a mess of a simple chance.

A long through ball from Blair Hopping to Phil Burrows gave the New Zealanders their first attack in the 17th minute, but the Dutch defence reacted quickly. New Zealand, against the run of play, won the first penalty corner on 21 minutes, but Ryan Archibald's attempt went wide.

The Dutch won their first penalty corner five minutes later, which was converted by drag-flick expert Taeke Taekema who, playing as a guest for Canterbury in the New Zealand NHL final against North Harbour a few months ago, failed to convert from half a dozen attempts.

Within two minutes New Zealand were back on level terms when Bevan Hari fired home via a slight deflection.

The Dutch stormed back into the lead within a minute with a neatly taken Brouwer goal.

Six minutes into the second half New Zealand equalised with Hari again scoring.

But the Dutch weren't down for long with Rob Reckers scoring in the 44th minute.

New Zealand had a chance to equalise five minutes later, but Archibald was too high with his attempt from New Zealand's second and last penalty corner. Taekema made no mistake at the other end a minute later for 4-2 and nine minutes from time Klaver completed the scoring when an all-too-casual New Zealand defence failed to cut out a free hit dragged into the circle.

It won't be easier for New Zealand in the late game tonight - they face the hosts Pakistan.