Hockey: Black Sticks take India by scruff of neck

In coming back from a goal down three times to beat India 7-3 in their penultimate pool match at the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia yesterday, the Black Sticks scored their biggest win in 65 clashes with the former powerhouse of world hockey.

The victory has given New Zealand a slim chance of qualifying for tomorrow's final.

The win over India - in a rivalry stretching back to 1935 - was by far their biggest. Apart from a 2-0 win in Antwerp four years ago any other victory has been by the odd goal.

The win by Shane McLeod's team was their second at the tournament. If tonight's early games go their way, the Black Sticks could reach the final with a win over Australia in the last pool match.

Australia, with four wins and a draw in their first five matches, are already through to the final. In the earlier matches tonight second-placed England meet Korea and third-placed Pakistan play the hosts.

Yesterday after 19 scoreless minutes, India's Sunil Sowmarpet slammed home a shot on the run. Within four minutes Nick Wilson had New Zealand level. India regained the lead two minutes later only to be 2-2 just before halftime when Blair Hilton scored for New Zealand.

Six minutes into the second half India took the lead for the third time but Andy Hayward equalised five minutes later with a drag flick from a penalty corner.

With 18 minutes to play Matt L'Hullier converted another penalty corner. Hayward scored again and Shay Neal and Blair Hilton completed the rout.

"We took the game by the scruff of the neck and never stopped working until we got the result we wanted," said New Zealand captain Dean Couzins.