Hockey: Senior players face inquisition

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Coach Kevin Towns remains optimistic despite one of the most disappointing losses by a New Zealand men's team in 20 years.

New Zealand were beaten 10-2 by the Netherlands at the pre-World Cup tournament in Kuala Lumpur, finishing fourth of six nations.

"I was disappointed that we capitulated to the extent we did," said coach Towns on the team's return yesterday. "Ten is a bit hard to swallow. We played quite differently than we had when we beat them 3-1 in pool play. Perhaps that's my fault.

"Maybe some players did not give 100 per cent. Some senior players, I feel, did not carry out instructions, but I'm confident by the time they have all had a look at the video of the game they will admit there were some out-and-out goalkeeping and defensive errors."

The team had conceded possession under pressure, he said.

"You can't do that at this level and expect to win."

Yet for all the shortcomings exposed in New Zealand's worst result since a 12-3 loss to Pakistan in Bombay in 1982, Towns is not pushing the panic button.

"Obviously I'm annoyed and somewhat concerned it happened, but nothing I saw in Kuala Lumpur has caused me to change my thinking on the players we will take back for the World Cup."

Towns is expected to confirm today that the 17 players who competed will return to Kuala Lumpur on February 13, along with Auckland's Dion Gosling, who missed the trip because of a hamstring injury.

He said the players had set themselves a goal of finishing in the top eight at the World Cup.

There will be no easy games at the World Cup, which starts on February 24.

New Zealand are in the same pool as the Dutch (whom they meet in their first game), Pakistan, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Belgium and Argentina in what appears a lopsided draw.

The top four teams go through to the top-eight playoffs.

Brett Leaver, who returned to the national side after a knee operation, played all but 20 minutes in Kuala Lumpur as he continued his comeback.

Captain Simon Towns and attacker Ken Robinson have returned to England where they are playing club hockey.

The Auckland-based players, along with Wellington's Phil Burrows and Dean Couzins (Canterbury) will continue to train under Kevin Towns before the team reassembles on February 12.

Towns has warm-up games arranged against Malaysia, the Malaysian juniors and India in the tournament lead-up.