Riding on forward SK Uthappa's twin strike, the Indian men's hockey team posted yet another win against New Zealand ‘A’ in the second game of the Kiwi tour, in Auckland, on Saturday.
The first quarter saw both the teams going on the attack on each other's business side of the field. But the Indians, with a win yesterday were high on spirits and in the 5th minute saw SV Sunil entering the D as he passed the ball to Nikkin Thimmaiah.
Nikkin's pass to Uthappa helped the Karnataka player to put the ball into the nets brilliantly as India led 1-0.
Indians started the second quarter on a high as they took over from where they left and were seen in the opponent's semi-circle trying to score on the opportunities. But unfortunately for the Indians they could not find the nets, leaving the score untouched at 1-0 at the end of the first half.
The third quarter saw Indians scoring yet again as the second goal was added to the tally. Right into the quarter it was Uthappa's sheer brilliance which helped India score the goal. He entered the D, beating the New Zealand ‘A’ goalie and defenders and scoring through a field goal in the 34th minute to provide India a 2-0 lead.
The last quarter saw New Zealand ‘A’ being awarded with penalty corner but unfortunately for them it was effortlessly saved by PR Sreejesh.
But New Zealand ‘A’ persisted with their endeavour to open their goal account and finally in the 57th minute, Stephen Jenness scored a field goal, taking the score to 1-2. With no further goals getting scored India registered their second consecutive win1.
India will take on New Zealand on October 6 at Nelson.
