Hockey series pulls crowds

North Canterbury hosted a New Zealand senior international sport team for the first time when the Women’s Black Sticks met the USA at the new $2m Waimakariri Hockey Stadium.

Unfortunately the Americans spoiled the party, taking a 6-2 win on Saturday.

‘‘It might not have been the result people came for but the spectacle didn’t disappoint,’’ North Canterbury Sport and Rec- reation Trust’s Tony Kean said.

The Women’s Black Sticks then levelled the two-match series with a 3-2 win on Sunday, captain Stacey Michelson scoring the winner for the hosts after scores were locked 2-2 entering the final quarter, an impressive turnaround from the previous day.

New Zealand sparked to life in the second quarter, equalising with two quick-fire goals in two minutes. Striker Olivia Merry, playing her 150th international, netted from the field before Liz Thompson smashed home a penalty corner shot.

Michelsen delivered the winning goal 12 minutes from the fulltime whistle, much to the joy of the home crowd.

‘‘We do genuinely enjoy coming to the smaller centres to play because as we saw [ on Sunday] the crowd really does get behind it,’’ Michelsen said.

Kean estimated a 1,260-strong crowd in the wet and cold on Saturday, with ‘‘a couple of hundred more than that through the gate’’ on Sunday.

‘‘There was a strong North Canterbury presence and smatterings of people from everywhere, as well as some American fans.’’

North Canterbury hockey fans will be hoping it’s not the last time the turf hosts an international fixture, and after an impressive international debut from the region, Kean believed it ‘‘should be a candidate’’ for future matches.

‘‘Hockey New Zealand were really impressed with the venue and the turnout over the weekend, which bodes well in future if they have more games to host down here.’’

For now, the turf will begin to feature regular club action as home to both the HinemoaKaiapoi and Rangiora clubs as well as being a primary venue for the Canterbury premier men’s and women’s matches.

This Saturday will be a doubleheader of premier men’s matches and a premier women’s match.