Black Sticks dominate Argentina to win bronze

The Black Sticks Men have won the bronze medal at the Six Nations in Valencia following a 4-1 rout over Argentina.

New Zealand were in a dominant mood against the worlds seventh ranked side, leading from start to finish and holding all the possession.

The Black Sticks scored a goal in each quarter through Shay Neal, Nick Wilson, Simon Child and Stephen Jenness to race out to a four goal buffer before a late Argentina consolation strike.

From five games at the tournament the Kiwis finished with two wins, two losses and a draw with this mornings result sealing a third place finish.

Head coach Colin Batch said it was pleasing to finish strongly with their best performance at the tournament.

"It was a very good effort from us today, we controlled the game well and scored some impressive field goals," he said.

"We went into the game looking to finish well at the tournament and we certainly did that, its significant that we played our best match at the end.

"It was a big step up for us and we walk away with the bronze medal which is a good reward for a good performance against one of the top teams who will be at Rio."

The Black Sticks opened the scored just before quarter time following a brilliant solo effort from Neal who pivoted and changed angle twice before firing into goal from long range.

New Zealand doubled the lead in the 28th minute after a length of the field counter attack saw Neal pass to Wilson on the post to knock past the goalkeeper.

Captain Child scored his sides third goal of the match early in the third quarter with a deft touch on a hard cross across the circle.

The Kiwis grabbed their fourth in emphatic fashion in the 57th minute with Jenness picking up a loose ball and smashing home on his forehand.

Argentina scored a consolation goal just before fulltime with Gonzalo Peillat converting from a penalty corner.

The Black Sticks now travel home to New Zealand for their final preparations ahead of the Rio Olympic Games next month.

BLACK STICKS 4: (Shay Neal, Nick Wilson, Simon Child, Stephen Jenness)

ARGENTINA 1: (Gonzalo Peillat)

Halftime: Black Sticks 2-0



- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Hockey NZ