27.11.2003 10.00 pm
New Zealand took the lead in the five-match international hockey series against Great Britain with a 4-2 victory at Mt Maunganui tonight.
Trailing 0-1 midway through the first half, New Zealand scored three unanswered goals before the break to take a stranglehold on the game.
New Zealand now lead the best-of-five series 2-1 after the first two tests in Auckland last weekend were split 1-1.
The fourth test is at the Tauranga Hockey Centre in Mt Maunganui on Saturday, with Hamilton hosting the fifth test on Sunday.
Great Britain dominated the opening 10 minutes tonight and were rewarded when defender Jason Collins converted from the first penalty corner, one of seven forced by the tourists in the match.
New Zealand assumed control midway through the first spell, with player-of-the-match Phillip Burrows, who missed the first two tests because of a leg injury, going close with two deflections.
Wellington's Umesh Parag, who is closing in on his 200th test appearance, equalised in the 22nd minute when he deflected a free hit slammed into the circle by Hayden Shaw.
Shaw gave New Zealand the lead three minutes later with a trademark drag flick from a penalty corner, leaving British goalkeeper Jon Ebsworth stranded.
Burrows' brilliance in close netted New Zealand's third when he beat three defenders in the circle in the 34th minute, emphatically slamming the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Burrows had a hand in New Zealand's fourth 10 minutes after the break, setting Bryce Collins free down the right flank, with the Canterbury midfielder's cross met by a diving David Kosoof.
England pulled one back in the dying minutes when Tom Bertram converted a penalty corner.
New Zealand were far more precise tonight although coach Kevin Towns was not getting too carried away.
"Two goals is probably a fair indication of the difference in the two teams tonight but we've got to remember they didn't play some of their key players so we're all still trying things."
Towns singled out Burrows as providing the spark that lifted the New Zealanders.
"Phil made a huge difference out there, just his sharpness on the ball. He gave us a lot more energy and control, particularly up front and his extra pace actually carried our guys with him."
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
Could the 5th Test in Hamilton be the decider?