The New Zealand women's hockey team remain undefeated at the Hawke's Bay Cup after beating China 3-1 in pool play.
Gemma Flynn is congratulated on her goal. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
China was first to find the net after 12 minutes of the match when Xiaoxue Zhang opened the scoring.
The Black Sticks clawed their way back into the game when Gemma Flynn scored from close range leaving the teams locked together 1-1 at halftime.
Both sides had chances early in the second half, but two yellow cards for China changed the game.
The Black Sticks scored in the 42nd minute through Sophie Cocks and five minutes later Flynn got her second.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was a better performance all around for his side after yesterday's tight 1-0 win over India.
"I thought we were better in the circle today, but they fought hard and we had to stick it out. It was one of those games which was always going to be tight and they're always a good opponent," he said.
The Black Sticks have a rest day on Monday at before meeting Ireland on Tuesday
"We go away and reassess tomorrow and need to continue to improve in our next game against Ireland," said Hager.
"It will be an exciting game and they are getting a lot better so we definitely can't underestimate them."
In Sunday's other results from the eight-team, invitational tournament, the defending champions Australia defeated Korea 2-0, Japan beat Canada 6-2 and India lost to Ireland 0-4.
