Thu, Oct 14 10 12:38 PM
New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) New Zealand hockey team needed a tie-breaker to see off England and seal the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, here at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium today. Luck does not seem to be favouring England hockey team once they are forced into a tie-breaker as they lost 3-5 against New Zealand in the third place play-off. England also lost to hosts India via tie-breaker in the semi-finals. Down 1-3 till 55th minute, England came back splendidly to level scores but in the tie-breaker Adam Dixon''s stroke was saved by goalie Kyle Pontifex. Shea McAleese netted the decisive penalty to ensure a podium finish for the Black Sticks. To celebrate the victory the New Zealand players also performed the traditional Haka Dance which has been made popular all over the world by their Rugby team All Blacks. New Zealand went ahead in the eighth minute when Dean Couzins converted a penalty stroke. In the 15th minute the New Zealanders further increased the lead, courtesy a field goal from Nick Haig. The Englishmen pulled one back through Simon Mantell in the 25th minute. At the half-time, the score was 2-1 in favour of New Zealand. The men in black increased the lead to 3-1 when Hayden Shaw converted the second penalty stroke. Down 1-3 by the 37th minute, the England team came back strongly. It was Simon Mantell''s brother Richard who reduced the margin. Within another five minutes, the English restored parity with Simon making it 3-3.
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