Hockey: Japan downs Black Sticks

The New Zealand men's hockey team has been beaten 4-3 by Japan in a four nations tournament in Nottingham.

Shane McLeod's largely development side trailed 4-1 at halftime. Marcus Child scored a goal on debut, while Richard Petherick and Andy Hayward also scored.

New Zealand next plays Great Britain on Saturday morning.

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Meanwhile, the Black Sticks women continue in the Champions Trophy event in England tonight, with a match against Germany.

The kiwi women have lost their first three games in the 6-nation tournament.

New Zealand play their final match on Saturday night (NZ time) against hosts England.

- NEWSTALK ZB