World Champions Australia beat New Zealand 4-3 in the Open men's grade on the second day of the Trans-Tasman Invitation Underwater Hockey Championships at Rotorua's Aquatic Centre yesterday.
Ranked sixth after last year's World Cup in Hobart, New Zealand scored first through Aucklander Matt Hart, just four minutes into the half hour game.
Australia replied with vice captain Karl Paton finding the net mid way through the first half.
A goal from Auckland's Benson Taylor after another five minutes of frantic play saw the hosts with the 2-1 advantage at the break.
The Australians took hold of the game with three unanswered goals in the fourth, seventh and twelfth minute before Kiwi captain Matt Terrey (Wellington)
scored in the 13th minute.
The two sides will clash again on Friday morning (NZ time).
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
Underwater Hockey: Kiwis beaten by world champs
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
