The Black Sticks were last night playing for an 5-0 unbeaten series in Japan after producing their best form to date, with a controlled and dominant performance in the fourth test against the Japanese in Obaye.
The Black Sticks marked the 100th national game for Dave Kosoof and
the 150th for Blair Hopping by overshadowing the Japanese in the first half of a match played at night and thus out of the oppressive heat previously encountered.
Although the first half finished scoreless, New Zealand made all the play. During this half, they had three penalty corners, numerous circle penetrations and four good-quality shots on goal. Brad Shaw went close to scoring just before the break when he supported a counter-attack and found himself unmarked at the top of the circle. Unfortunately, his blast struck the keeper.
The deadlock was finally broken when, two minutes into the second half, New Zealand's fourth penalty corner was converted by Hayden Shaw with a flick that found its way through the keeper's pads. The second goal was also from a penalty corner after 23 minutes, when Phil Burrows picked up the rebound and scored from close range.
Japan then immediately reduced the deficit with a well-taken goal when New Zealand was dispossessed breaking out of defence. The ball was quickly transferred from right to left, and a reverse stick shot from the edge of the circle flew high into the corner of the net.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Japan started to apply pressure on the ball carrier in an effort to find the equaliser. However, New Zealand always looked comfortable. In the last minute of the game New Zealand worked the ball out wide and, in a movement initiated by Dean Couzins, Burrows was able to thread the ball through to Simon Child who deftly popped his shot over the advancing keeper.
