Hockey: Black Sticks beat SA

The Black Sticks Women beat South Africa 1-0 at the Four Nations Tournament in Bremen, Germany last night. (Sat NZT)

Midfielder Sam Harrison scored in the 19th minute, with a well taken shot from an acute angle which saw the ball go straight to the back of the net.

National coach Mark Hager said it was pleasing to have another win and see his side put in a good solid performance.

South Africa played well and registered 15 shots on goal and four penalty corners throughout the game, but the Black Sticks defence held strong and the 12th-ranked side were unable to convert.

Stand out players from the game were goalkeeper Sally Rutherford and co-captain Emily Naylor.

Earlier, Belgium beat Germany 1-0 in an upset with a last minute goal from Erica Coppey. With final placings still up for grabs, the sixth-ranked Black Sticks play their final game of the Four Nations against third ranked Germany tomorrow morning at 12.30am (NZ time).

The results overnight mean that Germany are on three points with a goal difference of three (5-1 defeat of South Africa), Belgium have three points with a goal difference of minus one

The Black Sticks are on six points with a goal difference of three (4-2 win over Belgium) while South Africa are on zero with a goal difference of minus five.

Result: New Zealand 1 (Sam Harrison 19') South Africa 0. HT: 1-0.