Hockey eves lose to NZ in opener of 4-nation event

Darwin (Australia), May 31 

The Indian women’s hockey team started its campaign in the four-nation tournament on a disappointing note, losing 4-1 to New Zealand here today.

In hot and humid conditions here, the Indians started the game on a cautious note, defending deep in their own half.

But New Zealand immediately put pressure on the Indian defence by winning back-to-back penalty corners in the sixth minute. Goalkeeper Savita pulled off a brilliant save to deny New Zealand from the second effort.

Thereafter, New Zealand controlled the game with India looking to pounce on the counter-attack.

In the 11th minute, Savita pulled off another sharp save, from a one-on-one situation against Pippa Hayward.

New Zealand came out stronger in the second quarter and took the lead through Hayward’s field goal in the 18th minute.

After the change of ends, India came back strong and pushed forward in numbers. They made several penetrations into the Black Sticks’ circle but weren’t able to convert. Navjot Kaur came the closest, shooting wide from the top of the circle under pressure.

Hayward doubled New Zealand’s lead in the 47th minute before goals from Anita McLaren (51st) and Petrea Webster (53rd) took the game away from India.

The Indians, however, pulled one back through a brilliant strike from Anuradha Devi Thokchom, who beat three defenders to reach the top of the circle and unleashed a low reverse shot into the corner.

“We dominated a lot, especially in the second half when we were counter-attacking strongly. Our final ball around the circle let us down though,” India’s chief coach Neil Hawgood said. “The scoreline doesn’t justify how close the game was, and that is unfortunate. We won’t let it get us down though, and will look at the positives to build for the next match.” — PTI