Hockey: History beckons for Black Sticks

Anita Punt under pressure from Indian players. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Black Sticks women are in fine form, with a stunning 4-1 victory over India last night securing them a semi final against Korea tomorrow.

Another modest crowd turned out to watch the team in black clash with the Indians in the quarter-final at the regional sports park in Hastings last night.

The playoffs are part of the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey's eight nations tournament.

In the other quarter-finals yesterday, a single goal was all that split Australia and champions of the inaugural Hawke's Bay Cup Argentina, ranked second and third in the world respectively.

Their match ended with Australia advancing to the top half of the semifinal draw with a 1 nil win.

Ella Gunson scores a fourth for the Black Sticks in last night's win over India. Photo / Paul Taylor

China also advanced to the top half of the playoffs after beating Japan in its quarter- final, which ended nil all and went to a penalty shootout, won by China 3-1.

The Black Sticks have already beat Korea, ranked ninth internationally, 2-1 in one of their pool games.

Meanwhile, today sees the under-17 secondary schoolgirls' Furnware Cup tournament advance to round two, with games being played at Park Island in Napier from 8.30am through to 5.30pm

The category has been expanded to eight teams, with the inclusion of Wanganui Collegiate and St Peter's, Cambridge, who join returning talent from Gisborne Girls, Havelock North and Taradale High Schools as well as Woodford and Iona Colleges.

The Hawke's Bay Cup semi finals will be held at the regional sports park tomorrow, with the finals on Sunday.

•For tickets visit www.hockeyfestival.nz