The Vantage Black Sticks Women have retained the Hawke's Bay Cup by defeating Japan 3-0 in the final of the Vantage Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey.
New Zealand came in as top qualifier from round robin with three wins from six matches. Japan also had three wins but had lost three games to finish two points behind in second place. This year's final was a repeat of 2016 where the Kiwis beat Japan 2-1.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was pleasing to come away from the tournament with the trophy for the second year in a row.
"It was a good tough game as you always expect a final to be. Up by just one goal going into the last quarter, we knew it was going to be a close finish," Hager said.
"To the girls' credit, they kept fighting hard and deserved their two late goals. It was a nice way to finish off the tournament. We have not always been consistent, but it's pleasing to see the whole group keep working hard for each other."