Hockey: Black Sticks strike four more

New Zealand's Anita Punt in action against Canada. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand are heading for a series whitewash against Canada after winning 4-0 in today's second match of the three-test series in Whangarei.

The Black Sticks won the opening game 4-1 on Thursday, with the final game at 3pm tomorrow.

The Black Sticks grabbed control early today, scoring all four goals in the first half to essentially seal the match before the break.

"It was a good first quarter," coach Mark Hager said. "I thought we were very clinical and even in the second quarter I thought we dominated. In the second half we lost structure and intensity. We weren't running onto the ball with the same energy.

"To give Canada credit, they stepped up their work ethic and their basic skills improved as the game went on. We rested Sam Charlton throughout the game - we didn't give her as much game time - and at times we missed her leadership on the field.

"But it's a learning curve for our young ones and they are getting game time, so hopefully they get better because of the experience."

The Black Sticks dominated the first half, with North Harbour's Petrea Webster scoring in the second minute after good work by Anita Punt and Kirsten Pearce. Local Brooke Neal scored from the only penalty corner of the first half.

New Zealand led 3-0 inside 11 minutes when Webster dived to get an edge on the ball and Stacey Michelsen finished off the scoring when she had a one-on-one with the keeper.

The intensity dropped in the second half, with Olivia Merry and Punt unable to convert their chances.

New Zealand 4 (P. Webster 2, B. Neal, S. Michelsen)
Canada 0
HT: 4-0.