Korea keep Kiwis Test alive

SOUTH Korea have kept the five Test series against the Black Sticks Men alive with a 4-2 victory tonight at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, Auckland.
After two Kiwi victories last weekend, the visitors came from two goals down tonight to collect the win and keep the series alive going into the final matches on Saturday and Sunday.
Black Sticks Men’s coach Shane McLeod said he was bitterly disappointed with the result and felt the team was complacent after going two goals up.
“I thought the error rate in defence was far too high. The Koreans set a game plan to counter attack and we played into their hands. Korea are a good side and they will punish you.”
McLeod said the loss would certainly focus the team for the final two matches in the series.
New Zealand came out firing and within three minutes were 1-0 up after Hugo Inglis finished off a strong attacking move from Ryan Archibald and Simon Child.
Inglis added a second 10 minutes later after a goalmouth scramble.
Korea were awarded a penalty corner after 22 minutes and Nam Yong Lee converted the opportunity to take the score to 2-1. Some strong goalkeeping from Stephen Graham denied the Koreans adding to that score in the first spell.
Three second half goals to Korea, including two penalty corner goals, sealed the victory. Lee lead the charge with a hat trick of goals.
Nick Wilson, in his 100th test for the Black Sticks, missed the opportunity to claw one back with just over five minutes to go with his shot going high over the net.
The two sides will meet again on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults - gate sales only, Eftpos is available.
Hawke’s Bay is the Principal Partner of the Black Sticks Men and Women.

Hockey New Zealand Media release