India started the second leg of the University of Waikato 4-nation hockey tournament with a hard fought 3-2 win over the hosts New Zealand in Hamilton on Wednesday. Earlier, winners of the first leg Belgium also over came tough opposition from Japan to lodge full pints with a 3-2 verdict.
India, who had beaten New Zealand 3-1 in the first leg, had the satisfaction of seeing its drag flickers, Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinderpal Singh, scoring one goal each while Ken Russell's of New Zealand also scored one of two goals for the home team.
In fact it was a day of penalty corner conversions as Belgium scored all its three goals through penalty corner conversions
India blended caution with aggression against tough Kiwis, better known as Black Sticks in world hockey. However, they have shed the name of Black Sticks to become Vantage New Zealand.
India took the lead in the seventh minute through a field goal and held on to it till the 23rd minute when the Kiwis stuck through an excellent field goal. The teams broke for lemon break with score tied at 1-1.
Immediately after change of ends, India took the lead again through its first penalty corner when Harmanpreet Singh scored. Three minutes later, from the second penalty corner it was turn of Rupinderpal Singh to beat the New Zealand defence to give India a comfortable 3-1 lead.
The Black Sticks were, however, not deterred by the two goal margin as they continued to attack Indian citadel repeatedly. Their efforts succeeded in forcing two penalty corners in quick succession mid way in the third quarter. From the second such award, the fifth of the match, Ken Russells, found the target with a neat flick.
The fourth and last quarter witnessed good hockey but neither team could change the scoreline.
Both Belgium and India, winners and runners-up of the first leg, end the opening day of the second leg with three points each. India play Belgium tomorrow.
-PTC News
