Hockey: NZ leading three-test Japan series

New Zealands, Hugo Inglis, gets away with the ball while Japanese players give chase. Photo / Alan Gibson

Black Sticks 2, Japan 0.

New Zealand made amends for a disappointing opener against Japan with a 2-0 win in their second hockey international against Japan in Mt Maunganui last night.

Having drawn the first of the three matches 2-2 on Wednesday night, New Zealand were determined to produce a more polished showing.

By halftime, they hadn't managed to penetrate the Japanese defence.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Kane Russell converted a penalty corner with a drag flick shot to the top right corner.

However, although having more of the ball, the Black Sticks were unable to seal the victory until shortly before the end.

Tauranga's local hero Andy Hayward bagged the second goal, again from a penalty corner.

The teams were to meet for the final time tomorrow. However, because of the impending tropical cyclone warning the match will now be played at 5.30pm today.

MetService advice to the tournament director Dave Potter was that tomorrow would be unplayable because of extreme wind and rain.

Both teams agreed to the change on the basis they'd rather play a game than have a washout.

It will make for a physically demanding end to the series of three games in as many days, but the value of playing far outweighed the alternative.