21 Apr 2014

Black Sticks Men hold Australia to draw

6:31 am on 21 April 2014

After being outclassed 4-1 in the first test on Thursday the New Zealand men's hockey team have restored some pride with a 1-1 draw with Australia in the second and final match of the two-Test series in Perth.

Despite a strong start from world number one Australia, the Black Sticks went ahead after just eight minutes when Kane Russell struck from New Zealand's second penalty corner.

Shortly before halt-time the Black Sticks were temporarily reduced to ten men and the Kookaburras took advantage.

With Andy Hayward off the pitch, Australia's Eddie Ockenden set up the chance for Glenn Turner to level the score, pouncing to capitalise and knock the ball home for 1-1.

A blistering end-to-end second half provided both sides with plenty of opportunities to score, however neither could break the deadlock, the Black Sticks defensive display much improved from the first test trouncing.

It was a big game for captain Dean Couzins who played his 300th test and is now one of only two New Zealander, Phil Burrows being the other, to have ever reached the significant milestone.

The Black Sticks now head to Malaysia for the Champions Challenge, which takes place from April the 26th to the 4th of May.