New Zealand Vs Argentina – Black Sticks level three-test series by 1-1
The New Zealand woman hockey team has been victorious in the third and final match of its series against Argentina, leveling the series.
The match was played at theNorth Harbour Hockey Stadium in Albany, Hamilton. Argentina was leading the series 1-0 coming into the match, after a draw and a win in the previous two test matches. New Zealand made a strong comeback from its last match’s humiliating
1-6 defeat to win the last test match 2-1.
The Black Sticks performed with power and control in their third test. As compared to their last performance, a change in moves and executions could be seen right from the first minute of the game. They held ball possession for a longer period, as compared
to their earlier matches.
Argentina missed their first chance in the 15th minute penalty corner that was nicely cleared out off the circle by Emily Naylor from host team. However, the first half of the match closed with no scores on board, with both teams defending their
circles very well.
In the second half, Clarissa Eshuis scored the first goal of the match in her second penalty corner attempt in the 58th minute. She flicked the ball past the goalkeeper’s gloves into the top corner of the net.
In not more than six minutes, the attack was countered by the world champions when Daniela Lucia Sruoga delivered the ball home in a penalty corner attempt. The scores were tied at 1-1with less than fifteen minutes left on the clock.
The match was heading towards a draw, when the Black Sticks appeared in a rush for an attack at the Argentinean circle in the last minute. Cathryn Finlayson struck a swift hit into the corner of the goal in the final minute, delivering her third goal of
the series, and a win for New Zealand.
Resultantly, the three test series was declared a draw at 1-1.
The third test was a tribute to the ex-Black Stick Amanda Hooper who died in the 22 February Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.
A collection of worth $1,300 was raised from the crowd during half-time, which will be given to her family. Both the teams will also sign shirts on 30 March that will be auctioned on Trade Me; the receipts attained from which will be sent to Amanda’s family.
The Black Sticks have now set their eyes set on the upcoming Champions Trophy in Amsterdam in June, which features seven of the world’s best teams.
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