Black Sticks Women hold Argentina to draw first match
The women’s hockey squad of New Zealand succeeded to draw the first contest of the three-match series against the World Champions, Argentina, on Saturday at the Rosvall ITM Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand.
However, the Black Sticks are disappointed over the situation as they reached very close to the victory, but failed to secure it.
The game started on a very high tone and both teams were on a high verge to mark a go-ahead goal in the opening period. The defending women of New Zealand displayed a stiff show in the opening half and kept the opponents at bay throughout the first 35 minutes.
On the other hand, the New Zealand troika of Sam Harrison, Sam Harrison and Kayla Sharland tested the defence line of Argentina and carried out numerous attacks.
The strikes became fruitful, when Argentina missed first penalty-corner of the game and gave the Black Sticks a chance to take lead in the game, which they did not miss. Cathryn Finlayson, while taking the ball made a solo run in the 22ndminute,
played a powerful drive at goal from metres away from Argentinean custodian. The ball perfectly sailed into the goal-post and gave New Zealand a single goal lead in the game.
The girls of Argentina unwaveringly put many efforts to tie the score, but the defenders of the Black Sticks could not allow them to do so. Bianca Russell, the goalie of New Zealand rendered outstanding performance and made two fine saves. Jan Burrows and
Clarissa Eshuis were also firm and steady on the field and denied numerous attempts from the either side.
Maria D’Elia, the youngster of Argentina, converted a smart penalty-corner in the 56th and had it all even at one-all. After that an end-to-end play was observed in the remaining time period and both teams failed to score a go-ahead score.
Mark Hager, the coach of the women’s squad speaking to the media said that they had lacks in the ball possession and at their basics. He further stated that they would have to hold the ball under their sticks for longer time if they want to defeat Argentina
in the upcoming two Test matches.
Hager stated, “Argentina will come out firing in the next couple of games, so we need to be prepared to better handle the ball under pressure and make decisions quickly to ensure we keep possession.”
The Black Sticks will face Argentina on March 28 and 29 respectively, at North Harbour Hockey Stadium.
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