Hockey: Black Sticks in sweep

Black Sticks striker Simon Child.

New Zealand completed their preparation for the men's hockey Champions Trophy with a third successive defeat of France in a warm-up match in Paris today.

The Black Sticks completed a clean sweep of the French series with a 3-0 win, following 4-2 and 4-0 victories.

Striker Simon Child struck twice for New Zealand while Nick Wilson grabbed the other goal.

The French series was preceded by a 3-5 loss and 1-0 defeat of Belgium in Antwerp, along with a third placing at a four nations tournament in Nottingham.

Coach Shane McLeod's men now return to the English city for the six-nation Champions Trophy, starting with a match against Germany on Sunday night.

- NZPA