Netherlands too good

The Black Sticks women lost to the world No 1 the Netherlands 3-1 yesterday in the opener of the Four Nations Cup. Strike forward Shiloh Gloyn opened the scoring for New Zealand in Munich to give the Black Sticks an early lead, which they held for the first half. After a solid opening, the Netherlands proved their class and within two minutes of the second half the Dutch equalised through a Caia van Maasakker penalty corner. The Black Sticks gave away too many opportunities which eventually cost them in the dying stages of the match with the Dutch adding two more late goals. Meanwhile, the Black Sticks men rectified their heavy loss to Japan earlier this week by toppling the home side 3-2 in Japan in the dying minutes.