Day two of the 2025 Oceania Cup saw both the Vantage Black Sticks men and women take the field in Darwin for their second games against Australia. In Warm Northern Territory -weather both teams had strong moments all day, but Australia came away with victories in both games to take the upper hand in the series.
The Vantage Black Sticks -women keep it close, everything to play on Sunday
In the end of the ladies, the ladies put a composed and dedicated version that sometimes was under pressure Australia.
Grace O’Hanlon was again excellent in goal and made several major saves in all four quarters. Riana Pho stepped up with a brilliant defensive effort in the second quarter and cut off a dangerous shot for an open goal, one of the moments of the game!
The best chance of New Zealand came from a complete counterattack in the third quarter, but the last pass simply did not make a connection in the circle.
With five minutes to go, Australia found a breakthrough of a deflection of a penalty corner. Despite a strong push in the last phases, the Black Sticks could not find the Equalizer and the match ended 1-0 to Australia.
That has a huge last game on Sunday, with a place on the World Cup 2026 on the line. The winner takes everything.
The Vantage Black Sticks Men with Moments of Beauty in Testing Matchup
Game two against the Kookaburras started to know that a victory was needed to stay in the series. The competition started with high energy, but Australia struck early with a smart figure goal in the opening quarter.
New Zealand created their own opportunities, and goalkeeper Matthew Ruetsch came big with a huge rescue in the second quarter and stopped one-on-one from the top of the circle. Later Simon Yorston produced a coupling defensive game and hit a penalty corner flick with a sharp block over the baseline.
Play was stopped briefly in the second quarter when a pitch marked and created a hole, a rare scene at this level. After repairs, Australia picked up the pace and added two more goals before he completed the match 4-1.
The last say was from New Zealand, with Jonty Elmes, the member of the Squad Under-21, his 9th Senior International goal scored from a late penalty corner.
Although the result means that Australia eliminates the Oceania Cup title, Nieuw -Zeeland will end strong tomorrow and build Momentum on the way to the next phase of their international calendar.
Last games on September 7 – Big effort Vooruit
Both teams return to the field for the last games of the series.
For the Vantage Black Sticks women it is a direct world cup qualification – Win and they are in it.
For men it is an opportunity to bounce back and end with a performance that reflects their growth and potential.
Catch the promotion live on TVNZ+
Women – 4.30 pm NZT
Men – 6.30 pm NZT
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