DISASTROUS START One Down In Test Hockey

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32381, 21 August 1970, Page 9

DISASTROUS START One Down In Test Hockey

“The Press" Special Service MELBOURNE. Australia gained the lead in the three-test World Cup men’s hockey elimination series when it beat New Zealand, 4-3 in an exciting game yesterday.

In one of the highestscoring test matches played between the two countries, New Zealand fought back after conceding two goals in a disastrous beginning to be level, 3-aIL, at halftime.

However, after several penalty corners had not brought dividends to New Zealand in the second spell, the Australian captain, B. Glencross, scored the winning goal from just such an opportunity. BACKS AT FAULT New Zealand’s troubles began mid-way through the first half when Australia scored two goals in quick succession. The first resulted from some mis-tackling and poor trapping by the New Zealand backs, allowing R. Reilly to score.

Reilly got his second goal minutes later when an Australian shot was blocked by the New Zealand goal-keeper, R. McPherson. The ball appeared to be kicked by an Australian forward and then hit into the net by Reilly. Until this stage. New Zealand had appeared to be a little tentative and somewhat nervous. However, the side recovered magnificently to equalise with two fine goals. BORREN SCORES

The first came when K. Thomson took a penalty corner which was blocked by the goal-keeper, G. Reid. J. Borren quickly recovered the ball and cracked it into the net. Shortly afterwards, B. Mais, ter scored with a magnificent effort to place New Zealand back on equal terms. However, a break-down in a New Zealand attack allowed Reilly to race away for his third goal and give Australia the lead once again. Displaying its best teamwork of the match, New Zealand pressed its opponent into mistakes, and from a penalty corner Thomson scored .with a shot which glanced off the post on its way into the net. The second half began at a slower pace, but New Zealand began to dominate play. But it was Australia which got the only goal, Gleocross’s penalty corner beating McPherson decisively. FORWARDS IN FORM

For New Zealand, J. Christenson, Maister and Borren played well in the forward line, and Thomson excelled at

centre-half. G. Dayman also had a good game a full-back. Australia’s left-wing, D. Smart, was in brilliant form, displaying good control, change-of-pace and fine stickwork. Of the other forwards, Reilly accepted every chance given him. The New Zealand coach (Mr R. Mackinlay) said after the game that he did not envisage any major changes in the side for the second test in Melbourne tomorrow. “But we will have to think about this one,” he added. If New Zealand can square the series with a win tomorrow, all will depend on the third and final game, also to be played in Melbourne, on Sunday.

KAITUNA. Takamlna Cup. foursomes: J. Palmer and G Hamilton, 88, 19—69; Mrs S Burrows and R. W. Newton, 88, 16—72.