1 Jun 2012

Malaysian tournament good test for NZ team hockey players

11:57 am on 1 June 2012

The New Zealand men's hockey coach Shane McLeod was all smiles after his side clinched a place in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Malaysia with a 4-1 victory over the hosts.

The Black Sticks still have one more round robin match to play against South Korea Saturday night, but with four wins from their five games they have already booked their spot in the final.

McLeod says his side maintained possession well and created a lot of opportunities which they finished with some very good goals.

He also had veteran midfielder Ryan Archibald back from injury.

McLeod says the tournament is proving invaluable ahead of the Olympics with 6 of the teams competing in London also.

New Zealand will play either Argentina or Great Britain in Sunday's final.