Hockey: Black Sticks draw with Australia at Vantage Hawke's Bay Festival

FOCUSED: Sam Harrison on the ball during the Black Sticks' draw with Australia. PHOTO: photosport

The Vantage Black Sticks Women played out a 1-all draw with Australia in their round five match at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Festival.

There was just one point separating the teams on the points table ahead of this match with their previous clash in round two resulting in the same scoreline.

The first quarter was evenly fought with both teams creating quality scoring chances.

Australia broke the stalemate in the 28th minute when a penalty corner saw Madi Ratcliffe rattle a shot into the back of the goal.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams pressing hard on attack but unable to create many genuine chances.

Black Sticks striker Samantha Harrison delivered the equalising goal in the 52nd minute after receiving the ball and chipping over the keeper's head into the goal.

At the end of five rounds, Australia retains the points advantage with nine; the Vantage Black Sticks stay in second with eight, Japan are on six and the USA four.

The Vantage Black Sticks meet the USA in their final round robin match at 5pm on Saturday, with live coverage through the Vantage Festival of Hockey Facebook page.

Black Sticks 1: (Samantha Harrison)
Australia 1: (Madi Ratcliffe)
Halftime: Australia 1-0