Hockey: Black Sticks win, but Australia loom

The New Zealand men's hockey team achieved back-to-back victories yesterday, but a transtasman "mountain" looms tomorrow in a last desperate shot at the medal rounds.

Thanks to striker Phil Burrows and Hayden Shaw, who each scored twice, New Zealand beat Scotland 5-0 at a chilly, windswept State Hockey Centre last night for their second win from three.

However, Olympic gold medallists Australia still stand in their way after the Black Sticks' costly opening-round loss to England left them needing three wins to qualify in the top-two of pool A.

In their first match against Scotland since 1986, New Zealand coasted home after a patchy start, the world No 9 against the world No 20 team, who have lost 1-5 to Australia and 1-3 to England.

Burrows was the standout, his first goal a memorable solo effort. He also set up their first penalty corner soon after halftime, which Shaw put away.

New Zealand battled through a poor first half with just five shots on goal and zero penalty corners as the Scots frustrated them.

It wasn't a spiteful encounter but blood flowed freely as bodies went on the line.

Scotland captain Michael Leonard departed with a broken tooth after an accidental stick collision, then Burrows launched into a diving reverse shot, emerged with a blood nose and left the field. Both returned later in the first half.

New Zealand finally hit the lead in the 23rd minute when a fast break saw the promising Simon Child put Burrows in the clear, he rounded goalkeeper Alistair McGregor and cracked a reverse shot into the net.

Reliable New Zealand goalkeeper Paul Woolford was called on for a rare occasion soon afterwards when he kicked away Scotland's best chance.

New Zealand finally sparked at the 40 minute mark, Burrows drawing the penalty corner and Shaw drilling his first attempt to the keeper's left.

With attackers rushing forward, Burrows made it three when Darren Smith's shot was saved and Burrows swooped on the rebound.

New Zealand finished with a flurry, Shaw nailed his second penalty corner success, and third of the tournament, and then Bevan Hari hit the rebound in the dying seconds.

Coach Kevin Towns was satisfied with victory after he gave a stern team talk when leading just 1-0 at halftime.

"We were the better side, much too swift, too sure and once we started moving the ball from one side to the other there was always space," he said.

Towns said serious planning would be needed against Australia.

"We'll have to have a devious plan. It might be a little negative but that's how we'll have to play it.

"We haven't got close enough to them in recent times but there's a hell of a lot to play for and we'll give it a go."

- NZPA