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After an impressive win over Spain, the last time they were
on the pitch, the Vantage Black Sticks Men have come away with a
comprehensive 5-3 win over the reigning Olympic Champions Argentina. The
Black Sticks were buoyed by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Leon
Hayward who gave them the confidence to push forward on the attacking side
of the field.
Black Sticks Men’s Coach Darren Smith commented “It was
nice to get five goals against a quality opponent. We defended well and were
able to contain their dangerous strike forwards. Our strike line was
energetic and played with genuine pace as they put together a strong
performance”.
The contest started as a bit of an arm wrestle which saw the
play go back and forth as neither side was able to hold the possession for
long periods.
New Zealand started to build some pressure on the Argentina
defence. Eventually, this pressure translated to reward on the scoreboard
when a well-placed ball into the circle was collected by Sam Lane who
eliminated the Argentina defender and slotted the ball into the back of the
goal.
After suffering an early setback, Argentina came roaring
back into the match when Maico Casella was left open in the circle and
ripped a reverse through Leon Hayward’s legs tying the game.
Early in the second quarter, both sides were constructing a
promising attack and went close on several occasions. Neither team was able
to break the deadlock in the second quarter as the match would be tied at
one goal apiece heading into the second half.
The Kiwis were able to stun Argentina early in the second
half when a runaway from deep in the New Zealand zone resulted in a
fantastic baseline run that was finished off by a Dylan Thomas deflection
to put New Zealand back in the lead.
Argentina was able to replicate their reply from the first
half as they would storm back down the field and convert a timely
well-placed drag flick into the Bottom of the Kiwis goal.
Both teams were able to earn themselves penalty corner
opportunities late in the third quarter. However, the defensive units from
both sides proved too good as they would shut down every opportunity that
was thrown at them.
New Zealand continued to play with attacking freedom were
able to put themselves back in the lead when a diving Jared Panchia managed
to outhustle the Argentina defenders to sweep the ball into the goal.
As was the case in this match, Argentina once more hit back
with a second drag-flick goal of the game that was ripped into the top of
the New Zealand goal setting up what looked to be a grandstand finish.
Cory Bennett not to be outdone by the Argentina drag
flickers would power his flick into the top of the net to put the New
Zealand side back in the lead with eight minutes to go in the match.
Moments later it was Dominic Newman who extended the Kiwis
lead with a goal in his return to the National Team.
The Kiwis were able to absorb the onslaught that Argentina
threw at them in the final five minutes of the match as they would see off
a strong Argentina side for back to back wins for the first time in the FIH
Hockey Pro League.
Vantage Black Sticks Men 5 (Sam Lane 5 min, Dylan Thomas 32 min,
Jared Panchia 48 min, Cory Bennett 51 min, Dominic Newman 55 min)
Argentina 3 (Maica Casella 9 min, Jose Tolini 33,
49 min)
Back the Black Sticks – the Vantage black Sticks Men and Women
play their final Pro League matches in a block-buster double header, as
they take on Argentina, Sunday afternoon, Mar 1st (Men play at 3pm, Women
at 5:30pm). Don’t miss the last home games for the Black Sticks teams and Back
the Black Sticks before they head to the Tokyo Olympics!
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