The New Zealand men's hockey team started their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup campaign with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over India in Ipoh, Malaysia, last night despite many players struggling with illness.
A gastro-related illness has swept through the team since they arrived in Malaysia a week ago, so even getting through the match in the humid conditions was an achievement. But the seventh-ranked Black Sticks were in control throughout against India, who are ranked 10th.
"Considering what we've been through this week, I was pleased with a number of aspects of our game,'' Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod said.
"Our deep defence worked well and only gave away a couple of penalty corners and they were always well positioned for the crash ball from India.
"We played the game at a faster pace than India and most of our goals came from those counter-attacks.''
Striker Simon Child, who is one of at least six players who have been struggling with illness, opened the scoring in the first minute of the match, with India replying five minutes later.
A superb penalty corner from Andy Hayward right on halftime gave the Black Sticks a 2-1 lead at the break.
Nick Wilson and Stephen Jenness slotted goals soon after the restart and a penalty corner to Matt L'Huillier at the 65 minute mark put the result beyond doubt.
New Zealand play ninth-ranked Argentina in their second match of the tournament tonight. Argentina lost their first match 4-2 to Pakistan.
New Zealand 5 (Simon Child, Andy Hayward, Nick Wilson, Stephen Jenness, Matt L'Huillier) India 1. HT: 2-1.
