Black Sticks thrashed 7-1

The Black Sticks men’s hockey team has been beaten 7-1 by Japan – one of its biggest defeats in recent years. It was an error-ridden performance in the second game of the series in Shiga on Monday (NZT) after a respectable 3-3 draw on Sunday night. Japan scored their first goal after only four minutes, through a penalty corner, followed by three in the second quarter against debutant goalkeeper Dominic Dixon. A Stephen Jenness field goal in the 21st minute left the Kiwis trailing 4-1 at halftime. Japan piled on the misery with three further goals. ‘‘That was a tough day at the office,’’ Black Sticks coach Darren Smith said.