Hockey men power past South Africa

The New Zealand men’s hockey team scored another big win today, dominating South Africa 6-0 in their second pool match.

By halftime the score was 4-0 and the game was effectively over as a sports contest. The New Zealanders looked in total control, and added another two goals in the final quarter.

Kane Russell scored a double from penalty corners and Jared Panchia, Nic Woods, George Muir and Nick Ross added to the tally to keep New Zealand unbeaten so far on the Gold Coast.

Captain Arun Panchia was pleased with his side’s performance and progress in the Commonwealth Games competition.

“To put out six goals and have a clean sheet is always a good performance. South Africa are a good team, but we are well aware of their threats and dealt with them well,” he said.

“We just focused on our own game and tightening the screws. We’re a good side with a lot of young talent and having the belief we can not only win games, but win them well. We know every game counts, so we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas.”

The New Zealanders got off to a fast start, with two penalty corners allowing Russell to score a first half double courtesy of two pinpoint drag flicks.

Jared Panchia grabbed his side’s third in the 26^th minute when he got into the perfect spot to send a loose ball into the back of the net following a scramble inside the circle.

New Zealand powered into halftime with a 4-0 advantage after Cory Bennett set Woods up for a powerful flick from a penalty corner variation.

Muir came up with a superb run into the circle before beating the keeper as the game was winding down, and then Ross hit home No 6 from the field.

The New Zealand men’s third pool match is against Scotland Tuesday, April 10.