New Zealand book title clash with Aussies in women's hockey

NEW DELHI: Clarissa Eshuis struck the decisive goal in the 53rd minute as New Zealand outpaced South Africa 1-0 Monday to charge into the final of the Commonwealth Games women's hockey.

They will now meet Australia in the gold medal match on Wednesday after the defending champions beat England by the same margin in the first semi-final earlier in the day.

The Black Sticks, who won all four of their league matches, carried their form into the semis, enthralling a sizeable evening crowd at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium.

The game was off to a lively start with the New Zealand men's team, out in full attendance, performing the Haka in the stands.

The war chant seemed to work for the Kiwis who started out aggressively to put pressure on the rival defence although South Africa regrouped soon after to launch a counter-attack.

The South Africans earned three penalty corners in quick succession towards the half-time hooter but failed to convert any with Eshuis and Emily Naylor clearing the ball efficiently.

New Zealand got the breakthrough late in the second-half when Eshuis ran in from the right to slot the ball in after the burly Katie Glynn fumbled in her strike.

South Africa came close to scoring twice but Kiwi keeper Beth Jurgeleit brought off some fine saves. They even forced a penalty with just a few seconds left in the match but failed to score off it.

South African defender Kim Hubach said the team will try to put behind their disappointment and try and win the bronze medal playoff against England.