Five Test Series New Zealand vs. Japan – Black Sticks beat Japan 4-3 to capture series lead
The third test match between New Zealand and Japan ended with the Black Sticks beating the Japanese Women’s hockey team 4-3, capturing the series lead by 2-1 at the Gallagher Hockey Centre in Hamilton on March 14.
With only two games left for the series to end, it has become difficult for Japan to not just level up but also to pick up their former lead in the series.
Yesterday’s match set fire in the field with both teams in a rush to grab the series’ lead on the day. However, New Zealand Women were fortunate enough to be awarded this lead.
The score was inaugurated by Japanese forward Shiho Otsuka in the opening ten minutes of the match that resulted out of a well-controlled but swift shot into the goal.
This goal was very efficiently countered by New Zealand’s attack with the help of the talented pair of forwards Anita Punt and Katie Glynn. Punt rolled the ball up the centre of the field and passed it to Glynn. The ball was then driven into the circle where
Glynn faced the Japanese goal-keeper for a one-on-one encounter. Here, Punt showed up where she deflected the ball into the home for an equaliser goal taking for a 1-all score.
The Black Sticks continued to put pressure over their opponent on their instant second goal in the first half. This goal was delivered in the penalty corner where Glynn flicked the ball from between the goalkeeper’s legs to score her second goal of the series.
The first half concluded with New Zealand at 2-1 over Japan.
The second half had started with the same energy and pace as was found in the beginning minutes of the game. Japan’s Akane Shibata made an early goal in the second half, levelling the score 2-all.
Soon after this goal, New Zealand’s Stacey Michelsen responded by controlling the ball into the circle and striking a power-packed score in the far corner of the goal, celebrating her 50th test international. This allowed the Black Sticks to regain
their lead at 3-2.
Charlotte Harrison appeared upfront from the host team with the ball possession within few moments of the last goal. She shot a tremendous reverse-stick shot that hit the lower corner of the goal, putting the score at 4-2.
Just a minute after Harrison’s score, Japan’s Misato Katamine effectively applied pressure over the opponent team and scored a goal, reducing their lead to a 4-3 score.
The remaining minutes of the second half showed tremendous effort with a head-to-head fight but no score resulted out of the efforts.
Black Sticks showed a good defensive side during the last minutes of the match, not allowing the ball possession to Japan until the final whistle. The match concluded with New Zealand’s second win in the series, putting them at a lead of 2-1.
The next test match will be played March 16 at North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Albany followed by another test to take place in the same venue the next day.
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