Hockey W. Germany, Australia heading for epic match

Press, 9 March 1987, Page 25

Hockey W. Germany, Australia heading for epic match

NZPA-Reuter Buenos Aires The European champion, West Germany, and World Cup winner, Australia, are on course for what promises to be an epic closing match in the men’s indoor hockey Friendship Tournament. West Germany thrashed New Zealand, 12-2, in the third round to lead the standings with a maximum six points, one more than Australia, 8-5 winner over Argentina. France, runner-up to the Germans in the European indoor championship, shares third place with the hosts after a gruelling 8-7 victory over Spain in the night’s first match at the Ciudad de Buenos Aires club’s gymnasium. West Germany romped • past New Zealand, which - has yet to pick up a. point, ’ Sitting six goals inreach

half. Stefan Bloecher and Volcker Fried scored three goals apiece. Bloecher, arguably the best player in the tourna•ment, raised his personal goal tally to nine, putting him level with Carlos Geneyro, of Argentina, the scorer of two of his side’s goals against Australia in the closing match. Geneyro put Argentina 2-0 up early on, but Australia turned the match round and was leading 72, three goals coming from Peter Haselhurst, until the captain, Marcelo Garrafo, netted three corners in the last six minutes to reduce the difference. Argentina played without its goalkeeper for the last six minutes, the coach, Luis Ciancia, bringing on another forward in a last-ditch bid to salvage at least a draw, but iQwas too late.

Spanish fighting spirit and rough play made it difficult for the French, which had led comfortably, 6-2, at half-time, to hold on for victory. Spain has one point. Results of third-round matches were: France 8, Spain 7 (halftime, 6-2). Scorers: France — Delavenne (2), Chirez (2), Catonnet (2), Louison (2). Spain — Iglesias (4), Cobos, Oliva, Armengol. West Germany 12, New Zealand 2 (6-1). Scorers: West Germany — Bloecher (3), Fried (3), Slawyk (2), Gunst (2), Hilgers (2). New Zealand — Pierce, Gallen. Australia 8, Argentina 5 (52). Scorers: Australia — Haselhurst (3), Nobbs (2), Hawgood, Campbell, Persson. Argentina — Garrafo (3), Geneyro (2). Standings after three rounds: West Germany 6 points, Australia 5, Argentina 3, France 3, Spain 1, New Zealand 0.