Hockey: Black Sticks complete clean sweep

Emily Naylor played her 250th international test for the Black Sticks. Photo / File.

New Zealand wrapped up their Commonwealth Games preparation by beating Ireland in the final of their Four Nations tournament in Dublin today.

The Black Sticks won 3-0 to complete a clean sweep in the event.

Auckland striker Krystal Forgesson scored twice in the first half, with Canterbury's Sophie Cocks getting the third late in the second half with a powerful shot.

"Ireland turned out to play, we knew that it was going to be harder than our first game, they created a lot of opportunities," New Zealand coach Mark Hager said.

"It was a closely contested game and our goal keepers [Sally Rutherford and Bianca Russell] were called on to make a lot of saves, so credit to them that they could keep the Irish scoreless."

One disappointment was the Black Sticks failure to convert any of their numerous penalty corner opportunities.

It was also a milestone game for Central's Emily Naylor who played her 250th international test. Naylor, aged 28, became New Zealand's most capped female hockey player in April this year, overtaking Suzie Muirhead's long standing record.

Midfielder Anita Punt, who scored an impressive seven goals throughout the week, was named player of the tournament.

The Black Sticks, who are ranked third in the Commonwealth, have a rest day and will then head to the athletes village in Glasgow ahead of their first game against Trinidad and Tobago at 6am next Saturday (NZ time).

The Kiwis will also face India, South Africa and Canada in pool play.