VANTAGE BLACK STICKS COMEBACK AFTER NZA TAKE AN EARLY LEAD
The Vantage Black Sticks have claimed a strong 4–1 win over New Zealand A in match two of the Summer of Hockey series, overcoming an early scare in ahighly competitive encounter.
For the first time, a New Zealand A side featured in an international series and lined up directly against the Vantage Black Sticks, creating a unique and compelling matchup. With 36 of the country’s top female players on the turf and World Cup selection pressure firmly in play, the Dunedin crowd was treated to a high-quality and intense contest.
New Zealand A came out with nothing to lose and struck first through Anna Willocks, taking an early lead and putting immediate pressure on the Black Sticks. Despite dominating territory, possession, and creating multiple circle entries and penalty corners, the Vantage Black Sticks were unable to find the back of the net through the first two quarters. New Zealand A’s defence stood tall, denying chance after chance to take a deserved 1–0 lead into halftime.
The second half told a different story.
The Vantage Black Sticks lifted their tempo and control, turning pressure into reward. Olivia Shannon opened the scoring with a brilliant deflection from a ball played across the face of goal. Mezzy Surridge followed soon after, scoring in similar fashion to give the Black Sticks the lead. Riana Pho then converted a penalty corner with a composed flick to extend the margin, as the Black Sticks firmly took control of the match.
After conceding early, it was a confident and composed response from the Vantage Black Sticks, closing out the game 4–1 and showing their ability to handle pressure and execute when it mattered.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s clash against Japan, where a win will guarantee a place in Sunday’s final and continue the momentum in the Summer of Hockey series.
New Zealand Goal Scorers:
33’ Hannah Cotter – Field Goal
42’ Olivia Shannon – Field Goal
52’ Mezzy Surridge – Field Goal
58’ Riana Pho – Penalty Corner Goal