Hockey: Black Sticks surrender series to Netherlands

Arun Panchia looks to pass against India. Photo / Getty Images

The Black Sticks Men have been defeated 2-0 by the Netherlands in game two of their three-test series in Groningen.

The Kiwis had plenty of ball against the world number two side but werent able to find the back of the net, the result securing a series win for the Dutch with game three still to play tomorrow.

The Netherlands were led by a double from Constantijn Jonker, who scored goals in the fourth and 55th minutes.

Despite the loss it was a special day for Black Sticks defender Blair Tarrant who brought up his 150th international cap.

Head coach Colin Batch said his side played well on defence but need to be better at scoring goals in tight matches.

"We had four corners to their two, so we had a lot of possession in patches but couldnt break through a strong Dutch defence," he said.

"We are creating lots of chances. Theyre not easy chances but we need to take a step forward and learn how to convert them and score goals in these close matches weve been playing."

The Black Sticks play their third and final match of the series against Netherlands at 4:30am tomorrow (NZ time).

Following the Dutch series the Black Sticks head to a Six Nations tournament in Valencia where their opening game is against Spain on Tuesday 28 June at 6am (NZ time).

Hockey New Zealand have arranged for all Black Sticks games at the Six Nations to be streamed LIVE through www.hockeynz.co.nz and www.blacksticks.co.nz

BLACK STICKS 0

NETHERLANDS 2: (Constantijn Jonker 2)

Halftime: Netherlands 1-0

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