by Vaughan Hilton
NZ created about another 4 scoring opportunities only to be denied by some excellent Aussie goalkeeping and misdirected shots.
Jason Hilton Wgtn, Nick Haig Canterbury, and Sam Wilkinson Nelson dominated the midfeild and in combination with Hitesh Dayha Counties, Simon Child Auckland and Fraser Kerr Waikato upfront, maintained constant NZ pressure.
Another breakaway saw a brilliant save from goalie Ken Chou Nth Harbour before a third breakaway led to a 2nd and controversial Australian goal. Hilton and Edward Perry Canterbury stood out defensively whilst Kerr(after his two goals yesterday), Child and Dayha continued to harrass the Australian defense in the first half.
In the 2nd half NZ stepped into another gear and both Hilton and Wilkinson were given free liscence to attack from deep in defense. NZ pegged one goal back after a superbly taken penalty corner was converted by my man of the match Edward Perry.
Australian attacks never looked to threaten as NZ continued to dominate the midfield where Child and Haig were particularly effective in releasing Hilton and Wilkinson for the ever lurking Dayha.
The equaliser came in exactly the same fashion, a Perry drag flick from a PC and the Aussies sprang into action. Some inspired defensive work from Perry thwarted several promising Aussie raids on the NZ circle and the 2-2 scoreline slightly flattered the Australians.
Tomorrows decider will have to be exceptional to surpass the standard set in the previous two encounters and with NZ needing a win to square the series it promises to be hard fought.