The Black Sticks Men have started the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over India in Ipoh, Malaysia last night.
The seventh-ranked Kiwis have been struggling with gastro-related illnesses since they arrived in Malaysia a week ago, so to simply get through the match in the humid conditions was an achievement.
Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod was very pleased with the scoreline against the 10th-ranked Indians.
“Considering what we’ve been through this week I was pleased with a number of aspects of our game. Our deep defence worked well and only gave away a couple of penalty corners and they were always well positioned for the crash ball from India.
“We played the game at a faster pace than India and most of our goals came from those counter-attacks.”
Striker Simon Child, who is one of at least six players who have been struggling with illness, opened the scoring in the first minute of the match with India replying five minutes later.
A superb penalty corner from Andy Hayward right on half time gave the Black Sticks the lead at the break.
Nick Wilson and Stephen Jenness slotted in goals just after the break and a penalty corner to Matt L’Huillier at the 65 minute mark put the result beyond doubt.
Vice-captain Shea McAleese was named player of the match.
The Black Sticks play ninth-ranked Argentina in their second match of the tournament tonight (NZ time). Argentina lost their first match 4-2 to Pakistan.
Hawke’s Bay is the Principal Partner of the Black Sticks Men and Women.
RESULTS
Full time: 5-1 (New Zealand win)
Half time: 2-1 (New Zealand lead)
New Zealand goalscorers: Simon Child, Andy Hayward, Nick Wilson, Stephen Jenness, Matt L’Huillier.
India goalscorer: Shivendra Singh
