Hockey festival off to good start

Crowds of fans enjoyed the Festival of Hockey games yesterday, which included Black Sticks vs Japan. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Crowds of fans turned out to support their home team, and enjoy an evening in the autumn sun at the first Black Sticks game for the Festival of Hockey.

The team was back to defend its title at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey against Japan.

Crowds found every available seat - in the bleachers, or lining the sides of the pitch - and made the most of the event by congregating earlier in the afternoon for the Australia match against the United States. These were the first games of the Vantage Hawke's Bay Cup 2017 which will go through seven rounds, ending on Sunday April 9.

Last night the home crowd cheered and roared, as the Black Sticks fought off the Japanese team who led 1-0at half time.

Among them was young hockey player Briar Fanning - who had the honour of being a flag bearer for the Japanese team.

She said carrying the Japanese flag had been "pretty cool", but she was there to support the Black Sticks.

Her mum, Hayley Browne, said while she had not always been a hockey fan, with her two children both keen hockey players, "we've become very much a hockey family".

Although they had not been able to catch the earlier game, Ms Browne said so far the festival had been great. She hoped they would be able to attend more games during the festival.

"We're really enjoying it. It's always good to see the local girls play," she said.

Even a burst water main did not get the family's spirits down - play was suspended seconds before half time was called after water began flooding the area, and making its way onto the pitch.

After play resumed the Black Sticks lost 2-1.

Vantage Black Sticks coach Mark Hager was obviously disappointed with the first up performance.

"There were inconsistencies in our game that allowed Japan to score their two goals. Our penalty corner defence was poor and the players made basic skill errors."

He said "in the final two quarters we were clearly on top and created enough chances to have won the match."

Last night's were the first games in the week long Festival of Hockey, which promises action-packed games and two other tournaments with international and youth teams.

Sports park chairman Rex Graham said so far, he had recieved great feedback about the festival.

"It's a tremendous festival and a great thing for the region."