Hockey: Gunson disappointed with result, elated with support

Ella Gunson had a strong FIH World Hockey League final but was disappointed the Black Sticks went down 3-0 in the final to the Netherlands. Photo / Photosport

Ella Gunson and her Black Sticks teammates are feeling the disappointment after falling short in the FIH World Hockey League final to the Netherlands.

Their fairytale run after a slow start to the tournament was ended by the world No 1 side 3-0.

Northlander Gunson said it hurt but they had to give credit where credit is due.

"It is always so disappointing to lose your last game. It doesn't really matter what type of game it is it hurts but for it to be a final is tough and the girls are definitely still hurting," she said.

"In saying that, we're really proud of making the final given the start we had. We have a young group so it's a really positive sign going forward.

"We've got to give Netherlands credit, they're the No 1 side in the world for a reason. But we couldn't quite match them for the whole game.

"We definitely did that in the first quarter and most of the second quarter. We had as much possession as them and kept on attacking and threatening. But we let that first goal in and they lifted. We dropped off a bit after that and we stood off a little and hesitated.

"We needed a consistent 60-minute performance."

The FIH World Hockey League Final is one of the biggest hockey competitions in the world and 2017 was New Zealand's first tilt at hosting duties.

The Black Sticks predominantly play overseas international fixtures so to have a home tournament of this magnitude was a coup.

Gunson said the home crowd, particularly family and the Northland hockey community, lifted the side.

"It was awesome. The crowd helps you lift another gear when they're screaming for you. Normally we're playing overseas so the only time the crowd cheers for you is when you make a mistake but to have it reversed made all the difference," she said.

"We're sad we couldn't deliver for the crowd because they showed such great support and numbers throughout the tournament.

"My dad made the trip every day. He got a bit annoyed in the early stages and I think he even left some games early! But he was there every day and my brothers, friends and a lot of the Northland hockey community.

"We are really lucky with the Northland community and how supportive and passionate they are about hockey and having Northlanders in the Black Sticks."

Fellow Northlander Stacey Michelsen starred at the tournament, taking out the player of the tournament accolade while Sally Rutherford was deemed the goalkeeper of the tournament.

Gunson said they now have a bit of time off but it's not all spent on holiday as they prepare for another big year in 2018.

"We've had our last meeting for the year so we now go off and have a break but come back early January and have fitness training so it's a break from hockey, not from training," she said. "We need to be in good shape to prepare for the Commonwealth Games."