New Zealand bounced back from a heavy 8-2 defeat at the hands of India to inflict a embarrassing 6-0 defeat to hosts Malaysia at the Sultan of Johor Cup.
The win gave the Kiwis their first points while Malaysia are now at the bottom of the standings after all teams had played three matches each.
It was a horror show by the home team who were totally overwhelmed by the hard running and clinical finishing of the Kiwis.
“ We planned for this match after our heavy defeat to India knowing very well we needed to win to stay in contention for a podium finish,” said New Zealand coach Bryce Collins.
“ We are well supported by parents of the players who contribute financially towards our trips to this tournament.
“ Despite only three days of preparation, we did relatively well and this win shows we are improving as the tournament progresses.”
Malaysia started brightly but somewhat disinterested at the end of the first quarter.
New Zealand had a wonderful second quarter, scoring three goals in the 15 minutes.
First it was Moss Jackson that broke the deadlock in the 19th minute for a 1-0 lead.
And four minutes later it was the turn of Maks Wyndham Smith to get on the scoresheet to make it 2-0.
Malaysia were reeling and were further punished in the 26th minute as Benji Edwards converted a penalty corner for a halftime score of New Zealand leading 3-0.
Benji inflicted more pain on the home side with his second and New Zealand’s fourth in the 33rd minute.
Dylan Thomas scored the fifth just before the hooter to mark the end of the third quarter.
Benji then stepped ip to nail his hattrick in the
47th minute time make it 6-0.
“ We lack the fitness and composure to match teams and that is a fact,” said Malaysian coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin.
“ Our task was made more difficult by their ability to pick the spots in the penalty corner attempts.
“ A must win game awaits us against Britain and if we do not win then we will not achieve our target of making the podium.”
