Black Sticks show Japan no mercy

HOCKEY

THE Black Sticks women have kept alive their chances of getting through to the Hawke’s Bay Festival finals thanks to a convincing 6-2 win against Japan in Hastings last night.

‘‘It was a solid performance from us but it was what was required. It now sets us up for a good challenge against Australia,’’ said head coach Mark Hager.

‘‘We had some great phases in the first half which allowed us to create some great opportunities, and the finishing touches from Gemma and Sophie were the difference,’’ Hager added.

‘‘I thought in the second half Japan created some good pressure, and the tempo of the game was slower, but we were able to keep our momentum.’’

New Zealand have two wins from four matches and face Australia tomorrow. Shibata edged one back. Flynn tapped in her second from a Whitelock penalty corner variation to make it 6-2.

Earlier Argentina were kept uncharacteristically scoreless for the first quarter, unable to penetrate a tight Chinese defensive backline.

China looked aggressive at times and got some good forward momentum but struggled to convert their opportunities.

The tournament’s top scorer, Argentina’s Carla Rebecchi, landed a backhanded slice into the net in the 23rd minute and struck again four minutes later to take the score to 2-0.

Neither team managed goals in the second half, leaving second ranked Argentina ahead overall on points aggregate and match wins for the six-team event.

Australia downed Korea 5-3, the latter netting two late consolation goals to close the margin.