18 Apr 2015

Black Sticks advance to semis

6:16 am on 18 April 2015

The New Zealand women's hockey team are through to the semi-finals of the eight team international tournament in the Hawkes Bay, after an emphatic 4-1 win over India in the quarterfinals.

The Black Sticks captain Anita Punt

The Black Sticks captain Anita Punt Photo: PHOTOSPORT

After falling behind early on, the Black Sticks took control of the game and dominated the second half to ensure themselves a top four finish at the Hawkes Bay Cup.

Striker Olivia Merry starred with a double, while Petrea Webster and Ella Gunson were also on the scoreboard for New Zealand.

Head coach Mark Hager said it was good to be able to contain the Indians, who were dangerous on the counter attack.

"After going down early it was pleasing our girls fought back and never gave up," he said.

"I have heart attacks on the sideline sometimes but that's the way we want to play is up tempo high risk hockey.

"In the second half we created lots of opportunities around the attacking circle and that's what we need to keep doing going into the weekend's semi final."

New Zealand will play South Korea in the semi final after they had a surprise 2-1 win over the United States.

The other semi-final features Australia against China.