Vantage Black Sticks Men and Auckland Invitational China Series

​A New Zealand Invitational side featuring a strong contingent of current Vantage Black Sticks Men players has completed a successful three-match series against the China Men’s National Team at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland.

The matches formed part of a wider five-game series involving China, Auckland Hockey and the New Zealand Invitational team, providing valuable international competition on New Zealand soil and an important opportunity for players to gain match exposure ahead of upcoming international commitments.

The New Zealand Invitational side produced a series of strong performances, opening with an 8-0 victory before securing a 4-4 draw and 5-4 shootout win in the second encounter. The third and final match saw another dominant display, with New Zealand recording a 12-0 victory after establishing an 8-0 halftime lead.

Across the three matches, New Zealand scored 24 goals while showcasing the depth and attacking talent currently available within New Zealand men’s hockey.

Among the standout performers were George Baker and Jonty Elmes, who each scored eight goals throughout the series. James Hickson added four goals, while Aidan Sarikaya, Sam Lane and Gus Nelson also featured among the scorers.

The series provided valuable opportunities for players to build combinations, gain international experience and continue their preparations ahead of upcoming international campaigns, including the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Cape Town.

Hockey New Zealand would like to thank China Hockey Association, Auckland Hockey and all players, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in making the series possible.

With the series complete, attention now turns to the upcoming Men’s FIH Nations Cup, where many of the players involved will continue their preparations for international competition.

Auckland Invitational: Match One vs China 3-5

11′ Jonty Elmes – Penalty Corner

18′ Bradley Rothwell – Field Goal

54′ Jonty Elmes – Penalty Corner

Auckland Invitational: Match Two vs China 4-5

19′ Timothy Greenwood – Field Goal

39′ Sam Hiha – Penalty Stroke

44′ Brad Coxon – Field Goal

60′ Zander Fraser – Penalty Corner

New Zealand Goal Scorers: Match One vs China 8-0

8′ Jonty Elmes – Field Goal

12′ Jonty Elmes – Penalty Corner Goal

18′ George Baker – Field Goal

26′ George Baker – Field Goal

27′ Sam Lane – Field Goal

36′ Jonty Elmes – Field Goal

46′ James Hickson – Field Goal

59′ Gul Nelson – Field Goal

New Zealand Goal Scorers: Match Two vs China 4-4 (5-4) 

5′ James Hickson – Field Goal

8′ Aidan Sarikaya – Field Goal

36′ Jonty Elmes – Field Goal

58′ George Baker – Field Goal

New Zealand Goal Scorers: Match Three vs China 12-0 

4′ George Baker – Field Goal

10′ George Baker – Field Goal

10′ James Hickson – Field Goal

12′ Jonty Elmes – Field Goal

15′ Jonty Elmes – Field Goal

18′ George Baker – Field Goal

18′ Gus Nelson – Field Goal

19′ Jonty Elmes – Field Goal

45′ George Baker – Field Goal

50′ Jonty Elmes – Field Goal

55′ George Baker – Field Goal

58′ James Hickson – Field Goal