By TERRY MADDAFORD
A Russell Kamo hat-trick spearheaded the New Zealand under-17 soccer team to an 8-0 trouncing of Tonga to consolidate their position at the top of the points table at the Oceania qualifying tournament in Vanuatu.
With the hosts winning the early game on Saturday 3-0 over a lacklustre Fiji, top honours could be decided in the last match of the tournament on Friday when New Zealand play Vanuatu.
"The boys played very well," national coach Ken Dugdale said after Saturday night's victory.
"They got a bit sloppy at times, but that is understandable against weak opposition. Tonga had only one shot at goal, and that was not until the 86th minute. On the other hand, their goalkeeper made five or six great saves."
The young New Zealanders were a well-disciplined unit for the second successive match. They have now played 180 minutes without a booking or a red card.
New Zealand were led by Wayne Rooker in the absence of Daniel Mortensen, who came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, and were in front 3-0 at halftime.
Kamo scored in the 21st, 68th and 84th minutes. The other goals came from Craig Wylie, Dane Rayner, Mark Bland, substitute Reece Thomas and Tom Sadd.
Dugdale said Jason Rowley had again played well. He was also pleased with the form of Sadd, Andrew Sayers and Bland.
With the bye today, coach Mick Waitt gave the players the day off yesterday. They will train twice today before watching the game between Fiji and Tahiti - their opponents on Wednesday.
Liam Smith (hamstring) and Matt Adams (knee) were out of the match against Tonga, but should be fit to play Tahiti. Rooker will miss the last two games because he is returning home for his grandfather's funeral.
The tournament winners will play Australia home and away for a place in the world championships in Trinidad and Tobago.
Soccer: Hat-trick sparks 8-0 victory
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