The Black Sticks men have won a 4 match test series with Chile 3-1 and now take on Japan in 4 tests as they continue their build-up to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Albany from February 2nd.
Black Sticks Men vs. Chile Test 4
The Black Sticks men have tripped up in their fourth a final test against Chile – the world’s 20th ranked team. After a promising opening 10 minutes to the match, where NZ controlled possession and territory, it was Chile who scored first through a drag flick to lead 1-0. The Black Sticks struck back twice in the 1st half, firstly through a superb reverse stick shot by Phil Burrows after 20 minutes and then in the 31st minute when Andy Hayward converted a drag flick from NZ’s first penalty corner.
Chile were back in business just 3 minutes into the 2nd half when they converted from a penalty corner variation to draw level at 2-2. The winner came in controversial circumstances when Chile appeared to kick the ball while receiving in the circle – this was missed by both umpires and Chile slotted their 3rd goal 19 minutes into the 2nd half to lead 3-2.
The Black Sticks men tried unsuccessfully to claw the game back in an incredibly tense final 10 minutes, which at times threatened to erupt, with Chile guilty of a number of dodgy back tackles that went unpunished by the umpires. Chile eventually held out the Black Sticks and deserved their 3-2 victory.
Black Sticks Men vs. Chile Test 3
The Black Sticks Men have won the third test against Chile 5-3. This match was easily the closest one so far with the Chileans stepping it up another level again and making the Black Sticks Men work hard for the win.
The Black Sticks first three goals all came from Simon Child reverse stick shots and with the game locked at three all with ten minutes to go New Zealand winners came from Dave Kosoof and Ben Collier. The Men will attempt to wrap up the series with Chile 4-0 on Tuesday night in Pukekohe as the Summer Series continues it's way South.
Black Sticks Men vs. Chile Test 2
The Black Sticks Men have beaten Chile 3-0 in the 2nd of 4 tests. Chile were a much tougher opponent in this test, they were considerably more aggressive and physical which gave the Black Sticks defence problems on numerous occasions. New Zealand led 1-0 at half time through a Phil Burrows reverse shot.Two goals in the second half, one to Bevan Hari in his 200th test and the third to Steve Edwards saw the Black Sticks home comfortably in the end.
Chile will be encouraged by their performance while New Zealand will be wanting to improve their defensive structure in Sunday's third test.
Black Sticks Men vs. Chile Test 1
A brace of goals to Simon Child, Phil Burrows and Gareth Brooks has helped the Black Sticks Men to a convincing 6-0 win over Chile in the first of four test matches against the South Americans. The match - the first of nine test matches between New Zealand, Chile and Japan making up the Summer Series acts as the Black Sticks final preparation for the highly anticipated World Hockey Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in early February.
The team was a little rusty after a two week Christmas/New year break and were probably guilty of a few too many turnovers, however they were never in danger against the 20th ranked Chileans. All six goals were field goals, with three being scored in each half. Of interest was the Black Sticks only penalty corner came just two minutes into the game. After that they dried up as the strikers did what they do best putting away some well worked deflections and straight shot goals.
The Black Sticks stand-out player was Ryan Archibald, whose speed and skills were a class above the Chile side, while Simon Child was again dangerous.
Source: Hockey New Zealand
