Source: Radio New Zealand
Black Sticks Women prepare for a penalty. Blake Armstrong
The Black Sticks women have finished fourth out of five teams at the Changzhou Invitational Tournament following a 1-0 loss to China A in the bronze medal match.
New Zealand end the tournament with two wins and four defeats, including a 7-0 defeat to Argentina in their penultimate game.
Both China A and the Black Sticks were keen to end their campaigns on a high and the first half was an even contest, with both sides creating opportunities.
Despite both teams pushing hard, the match remained locked at 0-0 at halftime.
Both teams continued to create chances in the third quarter, but China A found the breakthrough with a field goal.
The Black Sticks thought they had equalised through a penalty corner variation, only for the goal to be overturned following a review for dangerous play.
New Zealand tried desperately to find an equaliser, but China A held firm to seal the one goal victory.
A fourth place finish isn’t what the Black Sticks would have hoped for as they build towards the Nations Cup at home in June.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand