Hockey: Win secures place for Black Sticks

New Zealand have finished fifth at the Champions Trophy tournament in Amsterdam, beating Spain 2-1 last night in the playoff for fifth and sixth.

It was the first win for the new-look Black Sticks at the event for the world's top six sides and was crucial for their immediate international ambitions.

It secured a place at next year's Champions Trophy in China. The top five in the Netherlands can book their places for 2002.

New Zealand hit the front in the seventh minute through the experienced Anna Lawrence.

That was just New Zealand's third goal in six games in the Netherlands.

Inside forward Suzie Pearce doubled the lead two minutes before halftime, scoring her second goal of the tournament.

Spain caused moments of disquiet for New Zealand when Ana Perez scored to close the gap to 2-1 with 15 minutes to play.

It has been a grim tournament for the New Zealanders, and their 0-3 loss to Argentina on Saturday morning meant fifth was the best they could hope to achieve.

That result was at least an improvement on their game at last year's Olympics, when the Argentines, who went on to take the silver medal, won 7-1.

Argentina took the Champions Trophy with a 3-2 win over hosts the Netherlands.

Olympic champions Australia won the third place playoff, beating China 2-1 with a golden goal in extra time.

- NZPA