The Junior Black Sticks Men’s hockey team to play in June’s Junior (Under 21) World Cup in Singapore and Malaysia will include four current senior Black Sticks, most notably captain Simon Child. Child – just 20, has already amassed 96 tests for the senior Black Sticks and was also nominated for the World Hockey U21 player of the year in 2008. Other senior Blacks Sticks confirmed in the 18 man team include Nick Wilson (Central), Shay Neal (North Harbour) and Blair Hilton (Wellington).
New Zealand’s place in the World Cup was in serious doubt due to a lack of funding, however with their campaign now fully funded by the players and their families – they are confirmed starters. They will depart for Singapore on June 1st and return on June 22nd.
The Junior Black Sticks Men will face tough opposition in the form of India and Holland in their pool along with Poland and hosts Singapore. They will back themselves to knock Poland and Singapore over but will have to get points from either India or Holland to progress past pool play.
The team performed well in a three test series against Australia in December losing narrowly in two and securing a draw in the 3rd – Australia are one of the favourites at this years World Cup.
The team is in good hands coaching wise with Peter Miskimmin confirmed as Head Coach and current Black Sticks Coach, Shane McLeod and Europe based Andrew Hastie as his assistants.
The Junior Black Sticks Men – 2009 World Cup team:
Joseph Bartholomew North Harbour
Shay Neal North Harbour
Marcus Child Auckland
Simon Child Auckland
Devon Manchester Auckland
Arun Panchia Auckland
Ricky Clarke Midlands
Callum Bailey Central
Nick Wilson Central
Blair Hilton Wellington
Stephen Jennes Wellington
Alex Schroder Wellington
Alex Shaw Wellington
George Connell Canterbury
Issac Staples Canterbury
Hugo Inglis Southern
Nick Ross Southern
Blair Tarrant Southern
Non travelling reserves:
Nick Capizzi North Harbour
Ian Daniels Midlands
Tom Lysaght Midlands
George Enerson Canterbury
Richard Bain Canterbury
Mitch Hayde Canterbury
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