MANCHESTER, July 28: Defending champions Australia moved closer to a semifinal berth in the men’s hockey of the Commonwealth Games with an emphatic 4-1 win over South Africa here on Sunday.

Matt Smith converted a penalty corner in the 22nd minute to give the Aussies a first-half lead.

Australia crushed South Africa’s hopes of a comeback with a triple strike soon after the resumption.

Jamie Dwyer and Craig Victory scored off successive moves and Ben Taylor scooped in a penalty corner within the space of four minutes.

Meanwhile, Ryan Archibald slammed four goals and Hayden Shaw three as New Zealand decimated first-timers Barbados 13-0.—AFP

Australia 4 South Africa 1

New Zealand 13 Barbados 0