Hockey: Improved Black Sticks win second test

Kane Russell of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod was pleased with his side after they produced a much-improved performance as they beat Korea 3-2 at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in their second game of the five match test series today.

"We were far more controlled and we dominated in key areas of the game. We held the ball for longer periods and were more effective when we had the ball. For the team to improve that much over night was commendable," McLeod said.

McLeod puts it down to looking over the video, reviewing the game and simplifying the tasks for each player. "The players had a much better grasp of exactly what they needed to do."

The Kiwis played with a much greater level of intensity, putting Korea under pressure early on. One of the best opportunities came when the ball fell to Kane Russell, and at close range he took a reverse stick shot at goal, but it went high over the net.

The Black Sticks were reduced to a team of ten when Steven Edwards and shortly after Nick Haig were green carded for infringements, but the Kiwis continued to defend well and kept the pressure on.

The Koreans were awarded their second penalty corner in the 24th minute, which although found the back of the net, was disallowed by the umpire due to the ball hitting the Korean's player's foot at the top of the circle.

The Black Sticks were awarded their first penalty corner of the game in the 32nd minute, and Russell made the most of it flicking the ball high into the net and converting his second penalty corner of the series.

The half time score was 1-0 and the Black Sticks stretched the lead two minutes into the second half when a goalmouth scramble saw Simon Child pass the ball to Hugo Inglis who tapped it in.

In the 52nd minute, the Black Sticks skilfully moved the ball down the field, passing from defence through to the attack and finally Inglis crossed to Child who scored his second goal of the series and the Kiwis took a three goal lead.

The Koreans, ranked sixth, continued to push hard and it paid off when Hyo Sik You scored a field goal from close range and it was followed by another goal from Nam Yong Lee eight minutes later. But the spirited comeback from the skilful Koreans was not quite enough and the Black Sticks held on to take the win.

Goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex, who celebrated his 32nd birthday, had an outstanding game keeping the Koreans out until the 60th minute.

The team clash again on Thursday.

New Zealand 3 (Kane Russell, Hugo Inglis, Simon Child) Korea 2 (Hyo Sik You, Nam Yong Lee) HT: 1-0