Festival of hockey: Rain no dampener as tickets go fast

Sophie Cocks of the Black Sticks controls the ball in front of Argentinian Rocio Sanchez Moccia at Unison Stadium, Hastings. Photo/Warren Buckland

Ticket sales for the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey have been unaffected by rainy weather this week, organisers say.

Event creator Bruce Mactaggart said ticket sales were strong despite rain forecast for the rest of the week.

"Hockey is, after all, a winter sport," Mr Mactaggart said.

However, there wasn't sufficient cover in the general admission area of Unison hockey turf in the event of rain falling during matches.

"People are advised to bring an umbrella, wrap up and come and support the girls," he said.

Heavy rain had caused one game in the Six Nations tournament, Korea against Japan, to be temporarily delayed yesterday afternoon.

Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey media co-ordinator Alisha Neilson said although rain had "hampered" some games, a crowd of about 1500 people turned up to watch the Black Sticks women play Argentina on the Unison hockey turf in Hastings last night.

The game turned out to be a cliff-hanger with the teams locked together at 2-2 in the second half. The Argentinians scored with just three minutes of the contest remaining to win 3-2.

The Black Sticks women had anticipated a tough game against the visiting side, who were ranked number two in the world. "Organisers were very pleased with the turnout," Mrs Neilson said.

"There was a lot at stake. Both teams played exciting and exhilarating hockey and the crowd got right behind them."

The Black Sticks women will play Japan tomorrow at 7pm.

The Six Nations tournament final will be played on Sunday afternoon.