Games vs Australia and India

We have had a double header over the last two days. First up playing Australia- we went in to half time trailing 3-1 with a field goal to Cam Hayde. We had the opportunity to have another goal on the score sheet but our finishing wasn't good enough! Our defensive efforts seem to drop from then on, eventually conceding some soft goals to finish the game 6-1 down.
The energy levels picked up a lot to play India, the boys needing to get a win to confirm a top 4 spot. We went 1-0 up early with a goal to Kane Russell from a penalty corner flick. The Indians equalised shorty after however, and scored again in the second half to win the game 2-1.
In both games our decision making has not been up to international standards in both circles.
Despite these loses, we still have the opportunity to make a top 4 spot-  we need to beat Korea in our game tomorrow.
Australia and Malaysia have already confirmed their spots in the final.

New Zealand 1-1 Malaysia

We faced off against the host country Malaysia last night. It was a tough battle, against the fast and skilful side.
We went up 1-0 early in to the game, with Kane Russell converting a penalty corner flick.
However, the Malaysian team were more accustomed to the conditions and it really showed in the second half- the game tempo from there shifted in to the Malaysians hands and they dictated play for the remainder of the game. We were lucky to hold them out for most of the game, due to excellent penalty corner defence. However, they scored with 4 minutes left on the clock from a penalty corner.
The result wasn't bad for us in the end, still managing to come away with one point.
We play Australia tomorrow which will be a tough encounter against our main rivals. The game kicks off at 4pm so it is going to be a real challenge for the boys playing in that heat.

The boys watching the Malaysia v Australia game

New Zealand 1-0 Pakistan

We scraped through with our first win of the tournament. A gutsy effort from everyone on the field to stay composed and get a crucial 3 points from the game.
We were awarded a stroke in the early minutes of the game, Nick Ross stepping up and capitalising on the chance.
Both teams had a number of chances in the second half, but we stepped up in our defensive efforts, especially when we went a man down for a bad tackle.
We play hosts Malaysia tomorrow night which is another crucial game, we watched part of their match tonight and the home crowd seems to be a big advantage for them.

Down time at the night markets

Not the ideal start

The first few days in Malaysia have been a big learning curve for the boys.
We have all been slowly adjusting to the heat and turf that we are to play on.
We have got through 2 trainings and a practice match vs the Malaysian team tonight which we lost 3-1.
The Malaysian team converted 3 out of their 4 penalty corners, and we missed some easy opportunities and didn't man up in defence. It is the first time playing together as a team and in these conditions though- so onwards and upwards with hopefully a better performance vs Pakistan on Saturday.
Despite this loss, our goal is to win this tournament so track our progress to see how we get on!