India (9) v (6) New Zealand

By Eleni Psaltis

New Zealand lost to India 9-6 after a tight goal-for goal match at the Yarra Pitch.

The match was a battle between 7th and 8th positions for the Community Cup.

The Indians took early position scoring three consecutive goals in the first half.

But The Kiwis never lost sight of goal with Everitt Harry Johnson netting it in out of no where down the right wing.

A substitution brought John Love into the match -scoring two more goals for the Kiwis.

Love has blossomed throughout the tournament - constantly raising the standard bar and taking more risks at goal.

Today he displayed terrific dribbling skills down the centre.

India finished the first half with a 5-3 lead.

Despite the 2 goal deficit the Kiwis continued to fight back - possibly their role model, Gail Denton was there in spirit.

Each player wore a black band around their arms in memory of Mr Denton - whose unflagging efforts at the Aukland City Mission touched the hearts of all the players.

An air-swing in defence allowed Sawan Nigam to seize the moment and score a sixth for India.

Love replied quickly - scoring a hat trick two minutes into the second half.

At 6-6 both sides fought relentlessly to gain possession.

But weak marking in New Zealand's defence forced goalkeeper Anthony Bradshaw to leave his area.

India delivered its penalty with conviction into the far right corner - once again taking the lead.

This revived the Indian side - netting two more in before full time.

Photos: Photoworx