Hockey: Great win for Black Sticks

Black Sticks defender Andy Hayward. Photo / Daily Post

New Zealand 3
Netherlands 1

The New Zealand men's hockey team has had one of the best results in its history this morning.

The Black Sticks have beaten the world number three ranked Netherlands side 3-1 at the Champions Trophy in Germany.

It is New Zealand's first win at the prestigious tournament since a 4-nil win over Spain 32 years ago.

Andy Hayward and Simon Child netted a goal each in the first half, with Blair Hilton netting New Zealand's third.

Hayward says they finally put everything together.

"We did a lot of research in the day off on the opposition and on our game, where we sorted out what we were doing wrong and changed a few things."

Hayward says a familiarity with the Dutch helped. He says they know their game well because a lot of the Kiwi players play in their league.

The Black Sticks led the Dutch 2-nil at half-time.

The result comes after two heavy defeats by world champs Australia and Olympic champions Germany.

The team is now up to fourth on the table at the six-team tournament and next play fourth ranked Spain on Friday morning.

The Black Sticks next face fourth ranked Spain on Friday morning.

The Black Sticks have stunned the world number three ranked Netherlands 3-1 in their third round-robin match in Germany.

Black Sticks defender Andy Hayward scored a goal in each half, while Simon Child scored New Zealand's second.

Hayward says while it was pleasing to get on the score sheet, it was their defence which got them the victory.

He says they defended really well and improved significantly from their opening two matches against Australia and Germany.

The Black Sticks face world number four ranked Spain in their fourth match on Thursday morning.

Two-time defending champions Australia maintained their perfect record today with a third successive win, holding off England 3-2.

\NEWSTALK ZB