Kookaburras, Hockeyroos too good for Black Sticks

SYDNEY: The Kookaburras routed New Zealand 60 in Sydney last night to claim a 10th straight Oceania Cup.

Aran Zalewski and Tom Wickham led the scoring with a pair of goals each, while Dylan Wotherspoon and Jake Whetton also got one each in a comprehensive final win over the Black Sticks.

It was the second straight match the Kookaburras dominated their transtasman rivals, having also put five past them earlier in the week.

The Australians dictated possession for most of the game, upping the tempo at will and slowing the rhythm when New Zealand began to press.

Their defence was well organised but also scrambled efficiently to deny the Black Sticks any real opportunities.

Earlier, the Hockeyroos claimed the Oceania Cup with a hardfought 20 win over the women’s Black Sticks.

Jane Claxton scored early but 21yearold Kristina Bates doubled the lead with a contentious goal just before halftime.

The victory ensures the women’s national team is likely to retain fifth spot in the world rankings, one slot ahead of its transtasman rival.

Hockeyroos goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram had a huge third period, also denying New Zealand captain Stacey Michelsen and Kelsey Smith to preserve Australia’s twogoal lead at the final change.

It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Black Sticks earned their first penalty corner. However, they were still unable to find a way through Australia’s defence. — NZN