New Zealand defeats Malaysia 6-1 to win the bronze medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, with Sam Lane scoring five goals.
NEW ZEALAND captured third place at the expense of hosts Malaysia after they defeated their opponents 6-1 at the 31st edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Invitational Hockey Tournament at Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
The Kiwis, champions in 2012 and 2015 are taking back the bronze medal home for the seventh time.
The homesters were two-goals down after just seven minutes. Kiwi skipper Sam Lane found the net five times in the fifth, seventh, 33rd, 34th and 41st minute. The other goal was scored by James Hickson in the 29th minute. Malaysia’s lone goal came from Faizal Shaari in the 43rd minute.
Malaysian coach Sarjit Singh said: ”We conceded two early goals and tried to chase but gave away the third. By then the boys knew the game was going to be tough .
“We could have scored a few goals but no finishing,“ he added, with Kiwi keeper Leon Hayward proving a stumbling block to Malaysian players.
Sarjit’s counterpart Greg Nicol said: ”We plan to play the best hockey on the last day of the tournament. Malaysia always a tough team to play at home.
“Obviously we are looking back at the tournament and performance,“ he added.
Earlier Canada who are making their 11th appearance edged Korea 4-3 for the fifth and sixth placing.
Canada goals came from Sean Davies (11th, 49th min), Brendan Gyraliuk (43rd ,53rd min).
Korea playing for the 23rd time found the net through Yang Jihun(18th min), Kim Hyeonhong ( 58th, 60th min)
