Hockey: Black Sticks lose in bronze medal match

The Black Sticks have finished fourth at the Champions Trophy following a 2-1 defeat to Netherlands in the bronze medal match in Mendoza, Argentina, this morning.

The defeat means New Zealand failed to match their best performance at a Champions Trophy tournament - a third placing in the 2011 event.

The Black Sticks enjoyed early possession before the Olympic silver medallists scored two goals in quick succession.

Xan de Waard opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a quick deflection by New Zealand goalkeeper Sally Rutherford. Lidewij Welten then doubled the lead five minutes later, finishing off a slick team goal to put the Dutch in control of the third-fourth playoff.

Sophie Cocks hit back for New Zealand in the 29th minute making it 2-1 at halftime but the Black Sticks couldn't find an equaliser.

Australia and Argentina play in the gold medal match later this morning.

 

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