Black Sticks trounce Belgium

New Zealand trounced Belgium 4-1 in their second match at the Champions Challenge international men's hockey tournament in Salta, Argentina, today.

First day winners Belgium were missing a number of their first choice players who returned home after the recent World Cup qualifier.

New Zealand regularly breached the Belgium defence early, but couldn't finish off. However, on their fourth penalty corner, a Richard Petherick flick struck a defender on the line and the resulting stroke was converted by Dean Couzins.

Belgium counterattacked whenever possible, and they drew level just before the break.

Ryan Archibald scored 12 minutes into the half and New Zealand made the game safe when Simon Child fired a shot high into the net with seven minutes remaining and Hugo Inglis made it four goals a minute later.

New Zealand now have a rest day before meeting China on Thursday (5.05am Friday NZ time).

New Zealand drew their opening match 2-all with India.

- NZPA