Black Sticks win over Wales in World Cup qualifier

New Zealand have beaten Wales 6-2 in the opening round of the men's hockey World Cup qualifying tournament at Invercargill today.

The Black Sticks overcame a slow start to open scoring in the 17th minute through teeage striker Nick Wilson.

Wilson, 18, taking a deflection in front of goal aggressively banged home an aerial shot from close range.

Andy Hayward followed by making the most of his opportunities at penalty corner time to successfully convert two from two before half time.

The comfortable three goal buffer was quickly eroded in the second half however when Wales' Richard Gay added two drag flicks of his own in the 37th and 49th minute.

The Black Sticks responded well to the pressure with Wilson finishing off an attack for a 4-2 lead in the 60th minute.

Phil Burrows netted a nice pass from Simon Child for the fifth goal three minutes later and Hayward completed his hat-trick in the final minute.

New Zealand's next match is against Scotland tomorrow.

In other first round matches, China beat Scotland 2-1 and Austria came from behind to draw 2-2 with Malaysia.