Luke Holmes – Vantage Black Sticks Debut tournament

Auckland Representative and Howick Pakuranga Hockey Club member, Luke Holmes recently made his international debut for the Vantage Black Sticks at the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia in May.

Earning his debut cap against Canada and playing in all 6 games, Luke capped the tournament off with a crucial first international goal against Pakistan in a 1 – 1 draw. Congratulations Luke!

Luke is also coach of our very luck Under 18 Boys White team, leading them to National Tournament next month in Napier.

View Luke’s first international goal here: www.tvnz.co.nz/sport/hockey/sultan-azlan-shah-cup/black-sticks-men-v-pakistan (fast-forward to 1:08.31 on the replay)

Finishing fourth in pool play, the Vantage Black Sticks defeated hosts Malaysia in the bronze medal match 3 – 2 to claim 3rd place in their first build-up tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN won 7 – 1 vs Canada – 4th May

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN lost 1 – 4 vs Japan – 5th May

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN lost 4 – 6 vs Malaysia – 8th May

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN won 4 -1 vs Korea – 8th May

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN drew 1 – 1 vs Pakistan – 10th May

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN drew 1 – 1 vs Pakistan – 10th May

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN won 3 – 2 vs Malaysia – 11th May (Bronze medal match)