World League 3: Ireland beaten 4-2 by New Zealand

Ireland were beaten 4-2 by New Zealand in Saturday's World League 3 match in a cold and wet Rotterdam.

The Irish took the lead through a penalty stroke by Alan Sothern but New Zealand got level when the long-serving Phil Burrows deflected the ball in.

The Black Sticks took the lead in the 47th minute through a penalty corner which was converted by Nick Haig.

Michael Watt equalised for Ireland but Blair Hilton and Andy Hayward secured a deserved victory for New Zealand.

Ireland pushed to get a goal back and set up a tense finale, with Andy McConnell & Peter Caruth going close, but it wasn't to be for the men in green.

"Our performance was far too inconsistent over the 70 minutes," said Ireland coach Andrew Meredith.

"We were ineffective in critical offensive areas, and probably most disappointing was the contribution from some of the more senior experienced players."

Ireland, who drew 4-4 with India in their first game, face hosts the Netherlands on Monday.