Hockey: Black Sticks win 4-1

The New Zealand men's hockey team swung back the momentum on their side in a see-sawing series against Tasmania and won the final match 4-1 in Auckland last night.

It followed Wednesday's 1-5 loss, after two wins which included a 7-0 victory last Sunday.

Tasmania chased all night as the New Zealanders controlled the game and kept it tight to lead 1-0 at halftime.

New Zealand's goals came from Shea McAleese (two), Bevan Hari and Darren Smith.

Black Sticks team manager Kevin Marr said there were bumps and bruises in the side but no serious injury.

Hayden Shaw missed the series as he was recovering from a back surgery but Marr said he should be ready for the two-match series against Canada on March 4 and 5.

- NZPA