Hockey: Black Stick finish fourth

The Black Sticks lost to Great Britain 4-2. Photo / Getty Images

The young New Zealand men's hockey team conceded three goals in the second half to lose 4-2 to Great Britain in their playoff for third at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia last night.

After an early goal to Andrew Hayward from a penalty corner was ruled out, the Black Sticks soaked up a lot of early pressure and their defensive strength was rewarded when Stephen Jenness gave them the lead after 20 minutes from their second penalty corner.

Jenness deflected the ball past Nicholas Brothers in the Great Britain goal, but the Brits were on level terms just before the break after Richard Mantell converted their fifth penalty corner of the half with the ball going through the legs of Kyle Pontifex in the New Zealand goal.

After the interval, goals to Robert Moore, Richard Smith and Mathew Daly put Great Britain up 4-1 before Blair Hilton got a goal back in the 69th minute, but by then the Black Sticks' fate was sealed.

The New Zealand pair of Dean Couzins and Steve Edwards were rewarded for their form in the tournament with places in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup team.

- NZPA