Hockey: NZ beat Dutch in Olympic warm-up

The New Zealand men's hockey team have scored a morale boosting 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the first of their warm-up games at the Olympics venue in Beijing.

New Zealand, who play Korea in their opening Games match next Monday scored their goals through Gareth Brooks and Hayden Shaw.

New Zealand quickly settled into their stride and dominated most of the first half against the world No 3 side in yesterday's match.

Brooks opened the scoring as New Zealand took advantage of a slow start by the Dutch. He had the simplest of tasks slapping a penalty corner rebound into goal in just the second minute.

A penalty corner count of five to nil in New Zealand's favour reflected their domination and drag flick specialist Shaw added the side's second goal just before the break.

The Dutch upped their tempo in the second half and reduced the deficit from a counter attack from a midfield turnover.

New Zealand held out for the rest of the game for a rare win over their more illustrious rivals.

James Nation should return to the playing 16 tomorrow after splitting his thumb at training and key striker Simon Child continues to make good progress recovering from a broken index finger, team officials said.

In another warm-up match yesterday, the New Zealand women's team lost 1-2 to Australia at the same venue.

Niniwa Roberts scored the only goal for the Black Sticks.

Captain Lizzie Igasan sat out the game with illness while Kayla Sharland was also missing with a slight leg injury.

Coach Kevin Towns said both will be fit for their opening game against Japan on Sunday.

- NZPA