Striker Myer Bevan scored a hat-trick as New Zealand defeated the Cook Islands 3-0 in their opening match of the Oceania Under-20 Championship.
Myer Bevan in action for Auckland City, 2015. Photo: Photosport
The game in Luganville, Vanuatu on Saturday was Bevan's international debut, after the former Western Springs and Auckland City player joined the Nike Academy full-time in England.
"To score a hat-trick on your international debut is a great achievement so he'll remember that for a long time," said coach Darren Bazeley.
"He's a real goal scorer and got himself into some good positions today. He took his chances well and I was really pleased for him."
New Zealand will try to continue their winning start to the OFC U-20 Championship when they meet Tahiti in Luganville on Tuesday at 4pm NZT.
Match Details
New Zealand 3 (Myer Bevan 30', 76', 90')
Cook Islands 0
