The inaugural Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey saw crowds flock to Unison Hockey Stadium in Hastings at the weekend.
Event director David Nancarrow said about 1600 people watched the Black Sticks women defeat Korea in one of the first games of the festival on Saturday and a similar crowd saw China steal a win from New Zealand yesterday. The crowds were "close to what was expected," he said. "We've been really encouraged. Ticket sales were good and the weather held out for us."
Event creator Bruce Mactaggart said it was great to see New Zealand begin the festival with a win. "Things are running smoothly," he said. "Considering this is the first weekend of a brand new event, I'm very happy."
Neither the crowds nor the players were deterred by scattered showers yesterday. "It's a water-based turf, so the more it rains, the less we have to water it," Mr Mactaggart said.
The Black Sticks women beat Korea 3-1 and succumbed to China 2-1.