by Bruce Hamilton
ROSARIO, Argentina, September 3, 2010
The Black Sticks took their first point at the BDO women’s World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Japan late on Friday, in Argentina (Saturday NZT).
Played in bitterly cold conditions where the wind chill factor reduced the temperature to 2.6 degrees Celsuis, the New Zealand v Japan game was the last and played late in the day, due to all the previous day's games being rescheduled because of bad weather the day prior.
In the scoreless, extremely fast paced, first half the Black Sticks took the game to Japan in the first quarter, pressured Japan’s defence and earned three penalty corners.
Kayla Sharland fired a bullet flick from the left but it was saved by Japan’s keeper as it crossed her and Clarissa Eshuis threw a low flick low and wide to the left.
Japan came back in the middle of the first half with three scoring chances, including a deflection which hit the crossbar.
New Zealand had the better of the midfield contests for possession and moved into top gear late in the first half gaining quality possession to give Katie Glynn and Krystal Forgesson shots on goal.
New Zealand had three penalty corners at the start of the second half but failed to convert any as the packed Japanese defence held the Black Sticks out and Clarissa Eshuis went over the top of goal with her only clear chance.
Japan’s Kaori Chiba deflected in a cross from the right to have the Black Sticks on the back foot early in the second half and Mie Nakashima deflected in a hit by Ai Murakami from outside the circle seven minutes later.
New Zealand dug deep two minutes later when Krystal Forgesson scored, followed a minute later by skipper Kayla Sharland to make the equaliser.
Both teams went for the win in the last 10 minutes without success.
Black Sticks Women's Coach Mark Hager believes New Zealand should have taken the lead in the first half.
“I felt we should have had a lead in the first half but we were not clinical enough in the attacking circle to punish Japan,” Hager said.
“It is a credit to our girls that they could fight back but it is getting frustrating that we have to fight back in games rather than getting out in front and being able to hold on to the lead,” Hager added.
“It was pleasing to get back to 2-2 after being down 2-0 and not looking too flash at 2 nil,” Hager added.
New Zealand next plays Australia on Sunday, Argentina time (10.30am NZT).
Photo: Krystal Forgesson scores 4th goal for the tournament (Credit: Argentina Hockey Press)
ENDS
