Hockey: Comfortable win takes GB top of table

GREAT Britain saw off New Zealand 3-1 in the fourth match of the round robin Sultan Azlan Shah Invitational Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia yesterday.

With Scotland's Niall Stott in the line-up, the GB side took the lead through Reading's Simon Mantell in the 13th minute, with Reading's Jonty Clarke coming close with two further chances to increase the advantage before half-time.

While James Fair produced a fine save to keep his side ahead, GB put the game beyond New Zealand shortly afterwards with goals by Clark and Surbiton's Richard Alexander.

An unmarked Lain Mackay reduced the deficit, but despite exerting some late pressure New Zealand were unable to haul themselves back into the game and GB now top the table on their own.

The first game of the day saw Australia demonstrate their class with a 5-1 demolition of Pakistan in a game where Scotland were represented by umpire Martin Madden. The result saw the Australians move ominously into second place in the table with a match against GB to come on Thursday in what has the potential to be the clash of the tournament so far.