Black Sticks Men vs. Japan Test 1

The Black Sticks Men have bounced back from a disappointing 4th test loss to Chile, to comprehensively beat Japan 5-3 in the first of four tests. All five of NZ’s goals came in an impressive first half performance and while they might be a little unhappy they didn’t capitalize on their superb half time lead – they will be satisfied with their improvement.

The Black Sticks opened the scoring with a neat touch from Simon Child after some superb lead up work from Phil Burrows. Japan replied soon after, however David Kosoof struck with a reverse shot goal to put the NZer’s back in front. The score became 3-1 after Shae McAleese finished off a superb piece of play by Brad Shaw and Phil Burrows and then Phil Burrows got one himself slotting in from a penalty corner variation. Japan scored their second to keep themselves in touch but just minutes later Simon Child grabbed his second to seal the game for NZ before half time. Japan scored the only goal of the 2nd half but NZ’s lead was never seriously challenged.

Phil Burrows was a stand-out for the Black Sticks with his huge work-rate and ability to slot into the midfield after injury forced Shae McAleese from the field. Many other Black Sticks performed well, which will please coach Shane McLoed, who wouldn’t have been happy with his charges at the completion of the Chile series.

The win was especially pleasing with NZ missing three crucial players – Ryan Archibald, Blair Hopping and Hayden Shaw – all nursing minor niggles.

Black Sticks Men vs. Japan Test 2

Goals galore as Black Sticks take out second test.

The Black Sticks have extended a 3-2 half time lead to run away 7-4 in the second test against Japan. They will be very happy with their performance in the attacking circle, however worried about the number of goals they are leaking defensively. Japan were first to score through a penalty corner drag flick, however Simon Child continued his incredible run of scoring when he slotted NZ’s first after 18 mins to make it 1-1. Ryan Archibald followed up a PC rebound to score in the 20th minute before Phil Burrows grabbed NZ’s 3rd through his trademark reverse. Japan got themselves back into the game with a penalty corner variation after 31 minutes and although Hayden Shaw had two drag flicks saved late in the first half, the score remained at 3-2 at the break.

The Black Sticks stepped it up in the second half securing their 4th goal when Hayden Shaw dragged high and right , but a lapse in concentration resulted in another Japan penalty corner, which was again converted by Japan’s Takahiko Yamabori – NZ will be worried by the number if PC’s they are conceding, especially after Japan’s relatively high strike rate.

Field goals to Gareth Brooks in the 11th minute and Simon Child in the 22nd took the Black Sticks out to 6-3 and although Japan scored their 4th soon after, NZ secured a relatively comfortable win when veteran Bevan Hari finished off a great move, which involved fellow strikers Phil Burrows and Simon Child.

Black Sticks Men vs. Japan Test 3

Amazing comeback secures series and third test for Black Sticks.

The Black Sticks have pulled off an amazing second half comeback to take out the third test 3-2. They were 2-0 down at half time and looked very flat and unconvincing. Some stern words from Coach Shane McLoed during the break seemed to work wonders as NZ were a completely different team in the second half. Two quick field goals to goal scoring maestro Simon Child and a well finished effort by Bevan Hari secured the Black Sticks a 3-2 win, which secured the four test series 3-0. Of note was the impact Blair Hopping had in the second half when he became heavily involved. Hopping has been nursed through the Summer Series as he returns from a minor hamstring injury – his impact on the Black Sticks, especially in the second half was noticeable. Simon Child has been exceptional for the Black Sticks in front of goal, while Phil Burrows and Steve Edwards have also been stand-outs.

The Black Sticks will attempt a clean sweep in Tuesday’s 4th test.

Black Sticks Men vs. Japan Test 4

The Black Sticks Men have finished the Summer Series with a 2-1 over Japan in Tauranga.

Source: Hockey New Zealand