Black Sticks beat China

GOAL: The Black Sticks women's team celebrates one of Gemma Flynn's two goals in their match against China in the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey in Hastings today. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.

The Black Sticks women's team has beaten China 3-1 in the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey in Hastings today.

A period where China had two players spend 5 minutes each on the sidelines was all the Black Sticks needed to take maximum points in this afternoon's Pool B match at the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey.

Jiaqi Li received a yellow card in the 41st minute and Qiong Wu received the same a minute later. In the period that the two players were off the field the New Zealand Black Sticks scored two goals and effectively put the game beyond China's reach.

China was first to find the net after 12 minutes of the match when Xiaoxue Zhang opened the scoring. The Black Sticks clawed their way back into the match when Gemma Flynn netted from close range and the teams were locked together one all at halftime.

Both teams had chances early in the second half but it was the two yellow cards for China that changed the game. The Black Sticks scored in the 42nd minute when Sophie Cocks netted and five minutes later Gemma Flynn got her second of the match for a 3 - 1 scoreline.

Having a full contingent back on the field helped China back into the match but the Black Sticks defence was secure and the hosts were able to close out the game and remain unbeaten at the tournament.

The Black Sticks have now beaten India and China to top Pool B and meet Ireland on Tuesday (NZ time) in their final pool match. China is on 3 points from yesterday's win over Ireland and play India in their final pool match.

With one round two match to be played today, Gemma Flynn from the Black Sticks and Georgie Parker from Australia top the goal scoring table with 2 a piece.

Half time score

New Zealand 1

China 1

Final score

Black Sticks 3: Gemma Flynn (2) Sophie Cocks (1)

China 1: Xiaoxue Zhang

One round two match remains this afternoon when India and Ireland clash.