4 Jul 2016

Black Sticks win bronze at Six Nations

6:27 am on 4 July 2016

The New Zealand men's hockey team have finished third at the Six Nations tournament in Valencia following a 4-1 win over Argentina.

Black Sticks captain Simon Child celebrates scoring a goal 2015.

Black Sticks veteran Simon Child. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand dominated the world's seventh ranked side holding the majority of the possession.

The Black Sticks scored a goal in each quarter through Shay Neal, Nick Wilson, Simon Child and Stephen Jenness to race out to a four goal buffer before a late Argentina consolation.

From five games at the tournament the Black Sticks finished with two wins, two losses and a draw with this morning's result sealing a third place finish.

Head coach Colin Batch said it was pleasing to finish strongly with their best performance at the tournament.

"It was a very good effort from us today, we controlled the game well and scored some impressive field goals," he said.

"We went into the game looking to finish well at the tournament and we certainly did that, it's significant that we played our best match at the end.

"It was a big step up for us and we walk away with the bronze medal which is a good reward for a good performance against one of the top teams who will be at Rio."

The Black Sticks now travel home to New Zealand for their final preparations before next month's Rio Olympic Games.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.