AUSTRALIA TAKE GAME TWO AS VANTAGE BLACK STICKS EYE SUNDAY DECIDERS - OCEANIA CUP

Day two of the 2025 Oceania Cup saw both the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women take the field in Darwin for their second matches against Australia. In warm Northern Territory weather, both teams had strong moments throughout the day, but Australia came away with wins in both matches to take the upper hand in the series.

Women’s Match – All to Play for on Sunday

In it right to the end, the ladies put in a composed and committed performance that had Australia under pressure at times.

Grace O’Hanlon was outstanding once again in goal, making several big saves across all four quarters. Riana Pho stepped up with a brilliant defensive effort in the second quarter, cutting off a dangerous shot in front of an open goal, one of the moments of the match!

New Zealand’s best chance came from a full-length counter attack in the third quarter, but the final pass just didn’t connect in the circle.

With five minutes to go, Australia found a breakthrough from a deflection off a penalty corner. Despite a strong push in the final stages, the Black Sticks couldn’t find the equaliser and the match finished 1–0 to Australia.

That sets up a massive final match on Sunday, with a spot at the 2026 World Cup on the line. Winner takes all.

Men’s Match – Australia too strong

Game two against the Kookaburras began knowing a win was needed to stay in the series. The match started with high energy, but Australia struck early with a smart deflection goal in the opening quarter.

New Zealand created chances of their own, and goalkeeper Matthew Ruetsch came up big with a huge save in the second quarter, stopping a one-on-one from the top of the circle. Later, Simon Yorston produced a clutch defensive play, swatting away a penalty corner flick with a sharp block over the baseline.

Play was briefly halted in the second quarter when a pitch marker lifted and created a hole, a rare scene at this level. After repairs, Australia picked up the pace and added two more goals before finishing the match 4–1.

The final say belonged to New Zealand, with Jonty Elmes, the Under-21 squad member, scoring his 9th senior international goal from a late penalty corner.

While the result means Australia take out the Oceania Cup title, New Zealand will look to finish strong tomorrow and build momentum heading into the next phase of their international calendar.

Both teams return to the pitch for the final matches of the series. For the Vantage Black Sticks Women, it’s a direct World Cup qualifier, they win and they’re in. For the Men, it’s a chance to bounce back and finish with a performance that reflects their growth and potential.