Two goals from Brooke Neal has lifted the Vantage Black Sticks Women to an important 2-0 win over Australia at the FIH World League semifinal in Brussels.
It was an outstanding defensive effort from the Kiwis, shutting down the Australian attack and recording their second clean sheet at the tournament.
The Black Sticks were dominant across the turf with close to 60 per cent of possession while limiting the Hockeyroos to zero shots at goal for the entire match.
Defender Neal proved the star with penalty corner drag flick goals in the first and fourth quarters to seal the result which sees New Zealand on top of Pool B with six points.
"It's always good to get one up over the Aussies and every time we play them we go out with a winning mindset," Neal said post-match.