Media release
4 February 2012
Black Sticks Men beat Korea 4-2 in first test
In the first of five tests at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, the Black Sticks Men have beaten Korea 4-2 with goals from Hugo Inglis, Simon Child, Richard Petherick and debutant Kane Russell.
“We certainly didn’t play as well as we would have liked today, and over the next few days although the score line might not improve, our performance must get better,’ says Black Sticks Men’s coach Shane McLeod.
It was Korea that held most of the ball possession in the first half and led 1-0 at the break, thanks to a goal from Jong Hyun Jang in the 25th minute.
In the 42nd minute, Simon Child sent a great reverse pass to an unmarked Hugo Inglis in the circle who smashed it past the Korean goalkeeper.
Child turned from provider to goal scorer in the 62nd minute when he broke past three Korean defenders and smashed the ball into the roof of the net with a reverse strike to equalise.
With just three minutes on the clock the Black Sticks were awarded their first penalty corner of the match and Petherick made the most of it when he flicked the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
With the full time hooter sounding, debutant Kane Russell successfully converted the team’s second penalty corner with his own powerful drag flick.
The two sides will meet again tomorrow at 1.30pm at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults, gate sales only, eftpos available. For the remaining game times and more details go to www.hockeynz.co.nz.
Hawke’s Bay is the Principal Partner of the Black Sticks Men and Women.
RESULTS
Full time: 4-2 (NZ win)
Half time: 1-0 (Korea lead)
NZ Goal Scorers: Hugo Inglis, Simon Child, Richard Petherick, Kane Russell.
[ENDS]
For interviews with players or the coach, please call team manager Kevin Marr on 027 454 1059.
