Hockey: Black Sticks too good for host

In an early onslaught, the Black Sticks beat host United States 2-1 in their Champions Challenge match yesterday.

Jamiee Provan prevailed after a goal mouth scramble in the second minute to score, and captain Suzie Muirhead connected with a penalty corner six minutes later to give the Black Sticks a cracking start in Virginia Beach.

New Zealand continued to dominate the first half and took a 2-0 lead into the break, but the US rallied in the second half and capitalised on their numerous penalty corners when Tiffany Snow scored.

The Black Sticks withstood a late surge to record their first victory in the six-team tournament and sit in second place on four points.

They opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against England on Saturday.

Coach Ian Rutledge was obviously pleased with yesterday's victory.

"I thought we really took our foot off the accelerator [in the second half]," he said.

New Zealand outshot the US 10-2 and held a 4-1 advantage in penalty corners after the first half, but the US outshot the Black Sticks 4-2 after the break.

In yesterday's other games, Japan thumped England 4-0, and South Africa led the competition on six points after beating Spain 2-1.

Today is a rest day with the Black Sticks back in action against Spain tomorrow.

- NZPA