Indian colts maul New Zealand 5-1 in series opener

New Delhi: India's junior men hockey team made a promising start to their Test tour of Australia, spanking New Zealand 5-1 in the opening match at the Gold Coast, Australia on Thursday.

The match began with both the teams playing attacking game and it took India just seven minutes to break the deadlock through Mandeep Singh.

Three minutes later the Indians were awarded a penalty corner and Varun Kumar effortlessly converted the opportunity to give a 2-0 lead to his team.

India tripled their lead in the 16th minute when young Harmanpreet Singh scored from another penalty corner.

Down 0-3, New Zealand frantically tried to penetrate the Indian defence and managed to score their lone goal, a field effort, in the 25th minute.

Indian striker Parvinder Singh stroke a beautiful field goal in the 50th minute to enhance the lead before Sumit Toppo converted a penalty corner four minutes later to complete the scoreline.