Drag flick specialist Hayden Shaw nabbed a late equaliser then announced his retirement from international hockey as New Zealand drew the fifth men's test against Korea 3-3 at Mt Maunganui today to win the series 2-1.
New Zealand blew two leads and trailed 2-3 with 10 minutes remaining, but Shaw
stepped up with a trademark drag flick to earn the hosts a draw and ultimately seal the series win.
It was a fitting end to a prolific international career for Shaw, who is known around the world for his drag flick penalty corners.
He said commitments to the New Zealand team were now too great, especially with a young child. He will continue to play in the National Hockey League but today was his last international.
The crowd at the Tauranga Hockey centre were treated to a thrilling spectacle that seesawed throughout as New Zealand twice went ahead in the first half through neatly taken goals to striker Stephen Jenness, but Korea could not be shaken off.
The visitors went into the halftime break level at 2-2 after Jong Hyun Jang nailed two top drawer drag flicks from penalty corners, and they took the lead 4min into the second stanza when Suk Hoon Cho finished off a superb counter attack.
New Zealand had chances to equalise from penalty corners through Shaw and Blair Hopping but Korea held on until the final 10min, when the pressure told and Shaw struck the vital blow.
- NZPA
