Black Sticks men given harsh Commonwealth Games reality check in 7-2 rout by Australia stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Eddie Ockenden is set to compete at his fourth Commonwealth Games
after being included in Australia's men's hockey squad for Birmingham
2022, with the team looking to win a seventh straight gold.
Australia earn wins over New Zealand as protracted FIH Pro League season ends insidethegames.biz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from insidethegames.biz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
New Zealand were desperate to make a strong start, but were again playing catch-up early. They were under plenty of pressure right from the opening whistle with goalkeeper George Enersen making a fine save to keep out Josh Simmonds from a penalty corner. Australia took just three minutes to hit the front as striker Nathan Ephraums made it three goals in three games. Tim Brand did all the hard work, launching a cracking shot at goal, which Ephraums deflected in from close range. It was 2-0 late in the first quarter with Australia pouncing after a sustained period of attack. Tom Wickham reacted quickly after Enersen couldn t keep out the initial shot, putting New Zealand in an early hole.