Black Sticks excited for home crowd

Black Sticks Natasha Fitzsimons (left), and Amy Robinson stoked to get out in front of a home crowd at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey. Photo/ Paul Taylor.

The Black Sticks are calling for locals to get down to the turf to give them that extra bit of "oomph".

The defending champions are back to defend their title at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey and kick off their campaign tomorrow afternoon against Japan.

The festival this year features the Hawke's Bay Cup and Furnware Cup at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park and the Affiliates Tournament at Park Island.

The Black Sticks, Australia, Japan and the United States are competing for the Hawke's Bay Cup while eight girls' high schools across the North Island are battling it out for the Furnware Cup.

The Affiliates Tournament includes both men and women teams from across the country.

Black Sticks Natasha Fitzsimons and Amy Robinson from Midlands are playing in their first hockey festival and can't wait to get out in front of a New Zealand crowd.

"We are more often playing overseas so it is a nice change to get out in front of a crowd that you know is behind you," Ms Fitzsimons said.

Both players said nothing beats playing the sport in front of a packed audience.

Ms Robinson said it gave her that extra bit of "oomph" and made her play harder so she did the black and white shirt justice.

"You feel a sense of belief and pride and it just makes you go out there wanting to perform to the best you can."

Despite not playing at the festival before both players have played in Hawke's Bay for national competitions.

Ms Fitzsimons said the Bay was a fun place for them to come to as they felt welcome and at home.

"We have had great hospitality and are looking forward to exploring the place a bit more in between games."

Ms Fitzsimons, who is a defender for the Black Sticks, said anyone who came and watched the games could expect some fierce competition.

She said they wanted to put on a show that displayed some physical but also tactical hockey.

"We are a developing side and are bringing something new to the game that we haven't had in a while.

"All of the games are important but the game between Australia should be pretty fierce due to the fantastic rivalry."

According to Ms Robinson anyone coming to the festival will see a diverse and dynamic style of hockey with each international team bringing something different to the table.

"Us and Australia are similar but Japan has a different style and so does America with a Dutch coach."

The festival kicks off tomorrow at 4pm with the opening game of the Hawke's Bay Cup between Australia and America. This is followed by the Black Sticks and Japan at 6pm.

The Furnware Cup which features eight premiere girls' high schools including four local schools starts on Wednesday April 5.

Both the Hawke's Bay Cup and Furnware Cup finish with the finals on Sunday April 9.

The Affiliates Tournament begins on Monday April 3 at Park Island and finishes on Friday April 7.

For more information visit hockeyfestival.nz and tickets can be purchased online via Ticket Direct or at the sports park box office.