23 May 2010

Black Sticks women lose series to India

6:49 am on 23 May 2010

The New Zealand's women's hockey team has been beaten 3-1 by India in the series-deciding fourth Test in Wellington.

The Black Sticks had to win to retain a chance of taking the series this afternoon in Wellington after losing the first Test and drawing the second and third.

Coach Mark Hager says his young team made some costly basic errors with trapping and passing but he's commended the captain and goalkeeper, Beth Jurgeleit.

She was under intense pressure in the first half when India couldn't convert seven penalty corners before scoring three field goals in the second, the last a breakaway right on fulltime.

Piki Hamahona scored for New Zealand in the 21st minute, quickly striking a rebound to put away a cracking goal in the top right corner.