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Warkworth got off to a winning start hosting its first ever international fixture at the Warkworth Hockey Turf this month.
The showgrounds facility hosted two matches on October 17 and 18 between the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Canada.
The matches were part of a four-game series. Although New Zealand lost overall, they picked up a 3-0 win and a 0-0 draw in Warkworth.
Warkworth Hockey Turf Trust member Graham Buchs says it was a successful event that will hopefully open up opportunities to host other high-calibre fixtures.
“We had a good turnout for the games, with around 800 people over the two nights, and there were no operational issues,” Graham says.
“The team captains and Hockey New Zealand both expressed their appreciation for our professional delivery of the series and having that feedback is definitely a good sign that we can host more competition matches in future.
“At some stage a second turf is set to be built at the showgrounds, so that will only further our capacity to do this.”
Graham was also satisfied that the two teams delivered in both matches.
“We were told by Hockey NZ before the series that Canada would be a tough opposition and that definitely showed, so it was good to get positive results in Warkworth.”
The first match also saw Black Sticks captain Arun Panchia secure his 250th cap for the national side.
Goals in game one were scored by Dominic Newman, Cory Bennett and George Muir.
Other results in the series were a 2-1 loss and 3-2 loss at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.
Arun Panchia, centre, played his 250th cap for the Vantage Black Sticks Men at the Warkworth Hockey Turf.
Shea McAleese, front, and coach Darren Smith
