Hockey: Superior finishing decisive

England XI . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

New Zealand. . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

THE PROMISE shown by the England XI against visiting Olympic sides this summer was yesterday fulfilled with a 4-1 victory over New Zealand, one of the teams in the opposite pool to Britain at Barcelona, in the first of two weekend matches at Bisham Abbey, writes Pat Rowley.

New Zealand, making their first visit here since the 1986 World Cup, started impressively, but the long journey and heavy training in the morning probably took as much of a toll as England's dexterity.

The New Zealand captain, Peter Daji, reminded one of his goal poaching ability by putting his side ahead after 19 minutes.

Chris Mayer equalised in similar fashion four minutes later and almost immediately attacked the defence to set up Paul Krishman for a second England goal. Mayer, England's best forward, retired injured soon after the interval.

New Zealand appeared to be taking control, when Jasbinder Chana snatched a third for England at a penalty corner. England's finishing was always superior and Krishman added his second goal to complete the scoring after splendid work by Colin Cooper.

ENGLAND XI: S Taylor; M Kirkland, R Crutchley, J Chana, D Faulkner (capt), A Degun; C Mayer (P Sheardown, 40), J Pidcock, P Krishman, C Cooper, P Capper.

NEW ZEALAND: I Woodley (G Anderson, 36), S Hobson, G McLeod, P Miskimmin, P Patel, D Penfold, D Grundy, J Radonavitch, G Russ, J Smith, P Daji (capt).