Underwater hockey: World title for NZ men

The New Zealand men's underwater hockey team won their second successive world title, beating the Netherlands 5-3 in a thrilling final in Sheffield, England, yesterday.

The experienced Netherlands team struggled against the New Zealanders' speed and skill who led 3-1 at halftime.

In the second half, on the back of a one-sided penalty count and a number of New Zealand players spending time in the sinbin, the Netherlands closed the gap to 3-2.

It took two goals by inspirational forward Benson Taylor to ensure New Zealand retained their title.

The New Zealand under-19 boys and girls teams also retained their respective world titles, beating British teams in their finals. The boys won 5-0 and the girls won 3-1.