Five Test Series New Zealand vs. Japan – Guest team up with draw after horrific dilemma
After the natural calamity that took place in Japan, the Japanese Women’s hockey team came across tremendous odds after the catastrophe prevailing in their hometown.
This had occurred after the first test in which the team had a victory. On March 11 a 9.0 earthquake destroyed parts of Japan followed by a tsunami hitting the coastline. The team members were later assured of their families’ safety and the management announced
to continue with the series.
This became the turning point of the series when Japan began losing the next two matches in a row, hardly recovering from their worrisome state of mind. New Zealand took the lead in the series 2-1, with only two matches left to compete in.
However, on March 16 the Japanese team fought the host team to a 2-all draw, heading back in the race.
Black Sticks were found overtaking the field from the first minute of the fourth test match of the series that took place in North Harbour Stadium, Auckland.
In a matter of a couple of minutes Ella Gunson opened the goal for New Zealand with a well-executed drag flick in the first penalty corner of the match.
Japan picked up pace and got their hands on the game, putting constant pressure over the New Zealand team and making it hard for them to score with the ball’s possession.
The tables had turned and even though the expert Anita Punt tried on attacking over the home circle, she got beaten by the Japanese defence.
As a result, Japan got the chance to step up for an attack and Shiho Otsuka levelled the score 1-all in the 12th minute of the match by shooting the ball past Bianca Russell, the host goal-keeper.
The first half concluded with the score level 1-all.
Since the opening of the second half, it was obvious that Japan emphasised over ball possession with dominating efforts being found in their attacking circle. The struggle soon got rewarded with a score lead when Akane Shibata shot a goal in the 44th
minute penalty corner.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, New Zealand returned on the scoreboard as Katie Glynn, levelled up the score again at 2-all. This goal was attempted by Anita Punt but was deflected onto Glynn’s stick where she spotted a gap and scored.
The rest of the match went end-to-end but no score could be made against the strong defensive lines of both teams. Finally, the match concluded with a tie at 2-all.
The decider match of the series will take place March 17 at the same venue.
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