BLACK STICKS MEN OVERCOME PLUCKY POLES

Gniezno, Poland - The Vantage Black Sticks Men got their FIH Nations Cup campaign off to a good start with maximum points in their opening match - beating Poland 4-2

The hosts gave New Zealand a run for their money with the home crowd playing their part, but in the end, it was a small difference in quality that made all the difference for the Black Sticks. 

Brad Read read the game well and finished off a nice team move to give New Zealand the lead. 

The Kiwis made it difficult for the Poles early in the game with some slick passing on a difficult surface, and winning several penalty corners. 

Jake Smith doubled the lead at the beginning of the second quarter from a broken down penalty corner. The turf caused the ball to bobble from the injection resulting in a mis-trap but the ball found its way into the circle with Smith duly slotting the ball under the keeper.

The Poles failed to capitalise on a few counterattacks, but a penalty corner from Damian Jarzembowski brought some balance to the game midway through the second quarter. 

The experienced Kane Russell almost gifted the hosts an easy chance when he fouled Gracjan Jarzyński, but the resulting penalty stroke was put wide just before half-time.

Poland came out strong in the second half and scored an equaliser 3 minutes in through Maksymilian Koperski.

New Zealand regained control of the game and Jonty Elmes and Simon Child put the result beyond doubt. The duo showed composure to score one each to leave the hosts to rue their missed chances.    

The Black Sticks Men play their second pool match vs Austria tomorrow June 2 at 2.30am NZT - live and free on TVNZ+.