BLACK STICKS MEN BREAK 9 YEAR TOURNAMENT DROUGHT

The Vantage Black Sticks Men have gone undefeated in Poland after beating France 4-3 in a shootout after the final finished 1-1 in normal time to win the FIH Nations Cup, ending their 9 year wait for a tournament win.

A tight match was predicted as two sides heading to the Olympics in Paris were pitted against each other in the final. 

New Zealand and France shared three quarters without a goal. The Black Sticks had two penalty corners early in the game but were unable to convert. 

However, they went ahead after 53 minutes from Hugo Inglis’ brilliance on the right before finding Jonty Elmes, who volleyed it in. 

France hit back with three minutes remaining through Victor Charlet, who fired in a penalty corner to send the game into a shootout.    

The dramatic shootout saw Leon Hayward star with saves against Timothée Clément and Brieuc Delemazure to help New Zealand lift the trophy. 

New Zealand skipper Nic Woods was named player of the match and said: “It’s a credit to these guys when you see how much we have grown as a team and a group. Our values that we hold together. Our unity that we hold together. I am so happy.” 

The Black Sticks now return to New Zealand with the Olympic team being named on Tuesday 18th June.