For perfect international performance… just add players

Andy Haward

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A great hockey game is one that comes down to the talent and skills of the players; where the quality and condition of the pitch is so superior and consistent that it has no bearing on the outcome of the game. 

“These are my favourite pitches to play on.  The surfaces never play a part in the outcome. They are quick, great for skills and stay wet through out.”  Shea McAleese Black Sticks Captain and a 100+ test veteran and Olympian comments on the TigerTurf pitches in Hamilton and Tauranga during the recent international series between NZ, Korea and Belgium. 

McAleese continues talking about the Auckland and Whangarei pitches.  “I loved both pitches for individual skills. The ball glided across the top which meant the individual skills were at a premium, also the greatest test of all teams and individuals are quick pitches, and this it what I really liked about the surfaces.” 

Games were played at Rosvall ITM Hockey Stadium in Whangarei,  the Gallagher Hockey Centre, in  Hamilton, the Tauranga Hockey Centre,  Mount Maunganui and the home of Auckland Hockey, Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga, Auckland.  TigerTurf have received positive feedback on the quality and condition of the all these pitches – a testimony to TigerTurf’s attention to quality and detail during the manufacture, installation and ongoing maintenance of the surfaces, resulting in world class pitches.  

Andy Haward, touted as NZ’s next big drag flicker, reinforced these sentiments.  “I prefer the WETT pitches as they aren't as heavy.   The bounce was consistent and it flattened very quickly.  The ball travelled well across the surface and your stick also moves over the surface without resistance.  Nice to drag flick on.”

Ben Collier, another Black Stick veteran with over 100 test caps and Olympian was very positive about all the TigerTurf surfaces.  He enjoyed the “speed of the Northland (Whangarei) pitch and the ease that you can perform your skills and move the ball on.”  Auckland was a “fast pitch, great for ball handing and passing”.  Ben continues “While (Hamilton) was slower than the Northland and Auckland pitches this pitch played very true and consistently. For an older field, the level of play and skill used on this field was equal to the Northland and Auckland pitches".  And Tauranga… “amazing how the field handled the hot and dry conditions.  It held the water well and played quickly without drying out.  Good for long distance passing and also for tight ball control.”

The Black Sticks Men came away with a series win against Korea 2-1. However they lost the series against Belgium two games to one. Their series win against Korea was the first time a New Zealand team has won a series against a top six-ranked team since 1983.

The Black Sticks Women had a series white wash against Korea, winning every one of their five matches in Whangarei and Auckland.

To find out more about TigerTurf's range of Hockey surfaces phone 0800 804 134 or email Blair Hopping, TigerTurf's Hockey Product Manager, on bhopping@tigerTurf.co.nz