Hockey: Black Sticks tune up for tough Australian challenge

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The Black Sticks women's hockey side have kept their chances alive of getting through to the Hawke's Bay Festival final with a convincing 6-2 win against Japan last night.

"It was a solid performance from us today, but it was what was required. It now sets us up for a good challenge against Australia which is a must win game," said head coach Mark Hager.

"We had some great phases of play in the first half which allowed us to create some great opportunities in the first half, and the finishing touches from Gemma and Sophie were the difference," said Hager.

"I thought in the second half the Japanese created some good pressure, and the tempo of the game was slower, but we were able to keep our momentum and capitalise which was pleasing."

The Black Sticks scored in the 4th minute when Stacey Michelsen skilfully dribbled it into the circle passing it to Gemma Flynn who took the quick shot and scored.

Japan's captain Miyuki Nakagawa equalised 11 minutes later, but New Zealand bagged two more before halftime thanks to a cracking penalty corner drag flick from Anita Punt and a field goal from Sophie Cocks one minute before half time.

The Black Sticks continued their dominance in the second half and maintained the majority of possession. The score extended to 4-1 when Flynn passed it to captain Kayla Whitelock who knocked it in from a tight angle. It went the Kiwis way again when Punt scored a penalty stroke before Japan's Shihori Shibata edged one back.

The high fives continued for the Black Sticks thanks to Gemma Flynn tapping in a Whitelock penalty corner variation to take it to 6-2.

Argentina beat China 2-0 and Australia beat Korea 5-3.