Second hockey Test: New Zealand, South Korea play out 1-1 draw

New Zealand and South Korea played out a second successive 1-1 draw in the second of the six match men’s hockey Test series at the Rangitoto College in Auckland.

Like the opening Test two days ago, the Black Sticks went ahead in the 13^th minute.

Drag-flick specialist Andy Hayward, who was rested in the first Test, rattled the opposition cage.

The fullback, who turned out for Delhi Waveriders in the Hero Hockey India League, slammed a shot to the right of Korean keeper Myung Ho Lee.

The pattern was pretty much the same like the first Test. Striker Nam Yong Lee, who scored a first-half equalizer at the stroke of half-time in the first Test, once again restored parity in the 23^rd minute as both teams took the break with a 1-1 scoreline.

New Zealand dominated proceedings in the second half and created several scoring chances, but that never translated into goals.

The Shin Kyo Seok-coached South Korean outfit did well to soak up all the pressure as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The third test will be played in Papatoetoe on Saturday.

It may be mentioned here that the South Koreans recently played a four-match Test series against Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Perth.

The Asian giants won the first Test 4-1 in penalty shoot out after both teams were locked goalless in regulation time.

Stung by the opening Test defeat, Australia came out firing in the second Test. Local boy Trent Milton pulled off a superb hat-trick as the Kookaburras thumped the Redshirts 5-2.

South Korea then took the upper hand leading 3-2 in the third Test, but were denied a much deserved win by a late equalizer from Matt Williams, who made his senior international debut during the ongoing four-match Test series.

Australia then wrapped up the series in style crushing the Koreans 4-0 in the fourth and final Test. Trent Milton, Russell Ford, Kieren Govers and Rob Hammond scored for the Kookaburras.

It may be worth recalling that the Perth Hockey Stadium had recently hosted the four-match Test series between the South Korea and Australian women.

The series ended with both team sharing the honours, winning two matches apiece.

The Hockeyroos won the opening Test 4-2 before the South Koreans hit back to win the second Test 2-1.

Australia clinched the third Test 6-0 before South Korea won the final Test 3-1.