Hockey: Tournament a no go for yo-yo striker

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Lloyd Stephenson's on-again, off-again selection in the New Zealand men's team is back on hold.

Despite a reasonably strong showing in the test series against Canada - won 4-1 by New Zealand - Stephenson has missed a place in the 18-strong squad for July's Champions Challenge tournament in South Africa.

The North Harbour striker is joined on the sideline by Wellington wing half James Nation and Canterbury forward Peter Stafford, who also played against Canada.

In come captain and centre-half Simon Towns (who has been playing in England) and Dutch-based striker Gareth Brooks.

Towns and Brooks played in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia this year but were unavailable for the Canadian series.

In another minor surprise, Wellington goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex has held his place as the back-up to Paul Woolford. Michael Bevin has been left out.

"Michael Bevin remains very much in contention for future selections but we didn't feel we had seen enough of his play this season to make judgment," said coach Kevin Towns.

Hayden Shaw and Dion Gosling were first-choice fullback selections, with Dean Couzins the back-up. Wayne McIndoe and Blair Hopping have retained their places as the wing halves, with Casey Henwood also included ahead of Stafford and Nation.

Bryce Collins, introduced against Canada, has held his place, while up front Brooks and David Kosoof are in alongside automatic choices Phil Burrows, Umesh Parag and Bevan Hari. Kosoof is seen as a back-up drag flick option to support Shaw.

The July 19-27 tournament for countries ranked 7th to 12th on the international list also includes England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain and South Africa. The winner qualifies for next year's Champions Trophy.

New Zealand team -

Goalkeepers: Paul Woolford (Auckland), Kyle Pontifex (Wellington).

Fullbacks: Dion Gosling (Auckland), Hayden Shaw (Canterbury), Dean Couzins (Auckland).

Wing halves: Casey Henwood (North Harbour), Wayne McIndoe (Auckland), Blair Hopping (North Harbour).

Midfield: Simon Towns (Auckland), Ryan Archibald (Auckland), Darren Smith (North Harbour), Bryce Collins (Canterbury), Mitesh Patel (Wellington).

Strikers: Phil Burrows (Wellington), Umesh Parag (Wellington), Bevan Hari (Auckland), Gareth Brooks (Canterbury), David Kosoof (North Harbour).