Hockey: Olympic hopes high after old score settled

MILTON KEYNES - New Zealand's stunning 1-0 win over Britain at the Olympic qualifying women's hockey tournament yesterday was sweet revenge for losing to that country at the Commonwealth Games in 1998.

New Zealand went down to Britain in pool play at Kuala Lumpur 18 months ago, costing them the chance of the silver medal.

Defender Sandy Bennett, one of the stars in the cold at Milton Keynes, said the team were thrilled to bounce back after their dreadful start to the tournament which saw them draw with China and lose to Japan.

Victory over highly rated Britain virtually assured New Zealand of a berth at this year's Olympics. Only a most unlikely chain of events and results on the final day of pool play today will see the New Zealanders denied a top-five tournament placing, which is the baseline for Olympics qualification.

Their only stumbling block would be China drawing with Britain and scoring three goals or more in the process. China have netted only four goals in three games and are expected to struggle to pierce the British defence.

Bennett said the British side were very physical and even "rougher" than they were at the Commonwealth Games.

"It was like a rugby match when we played them in Kuala Lumpur. But we're a much tougher side than we were then.

"This win has opened the door to Sydney for us. It's extremely satisfying. I feel we have got them back for the loss in 1998 and it feels great."

Bennett was singled out by coach Jan Borren for her excellent defence after right-winger Mandy Smith scored the only goal from a penalty corner in the 32nd minute.

Ranked fifth in the world, New Zealand played brilliantly in the first half. They attacked from the outset and outpaced the British defence with blistering speed.

Kylie Foy and Smith were dangerous on the wings and were well supported from behind by midfielder Tina Bell-Kake, who had her best game of the tournament.

Skipper Anna Lawrence said the win over Britain, who beat world and Olympic champions Australia last year, was a significant result considering their disappointing 4-0 loss to Japan four days earlier.

New Zealand had beaten Britain only twice before in nine previous games, at Vancouver, in Canada, in 1979 and in Wellington in 1990.

Their next game is on Saturday. They do not know their opposition yet, although it is likely to be Spain, providing the Spanish beat Ireland in their last pool match.

The New Zealand women have contested the Olympics twice before, at Los Angeles in 1984 and at Barcelona in 1992. Seven of the present side were in Spain eight years ago when they finished eighth and bottom.

- NZPA