Capital men bounce back

A four-goal onslaught in 15 minutes helped Capital kickstart their men’s National Hockey League campaign under the lights in Wellington.

Two days after an agonising 4-3 defeat to North Harbour in their tournament opener, Capital bounced back to hammer defending champions Midlands 5-2 last night.

Midlands led 2-1 at halftime in the day’s final match at the National Hockey Stadium before Capital rattled in four late goals including a double to Benedict van Woerkom.

Captain Dane Lett and Sebastian Buddle added the icing from penalty corners in the final quarter.

North Harbour lead pool A after they beat Southern 4-0 to stamp their title credentials.

In pool B, Auckland top the ladder with two wins from two after they beat Canterbury 2-0, with second-half goals.

The Aucklanders finished strongly with Johnny Kinder sealing victory with a penalty stroke with a minute left.

Central notched their first win in stunning fashion, 7-1 over Northland who face a tough week after two heavy defeats.

Leading 3-0 at the break, Central coasted home with doubles from Martin Atkinson and Dylan Thomas.

The men have today off while the women resume their competition, with Canterbury and Northland the two sides with perfect records.