17 Jun 2011

Women's hockey team draws with China

12:39 pm on 17 June 2011

The New Zealand women's hockey team has drawn nil-all with China in the second of their clashes ahead of next week's Champions Trophy in the Netherlands.

Coach Mark Hager used the match to try out different combinations with all his fit players getting some game time.

China, ranked fourth in the world, failed to convert any of their six penalty corners.

The two sides meet again on Saturday night, New Zealand time.

Injured goal keeper Bianca Russell and Co-captain Kayla Sharland are continuing to recover.

Goal keeper Amelia Gibson has now joined the team in Europe to help take the load off Sally Rutherford who was the only remaining goal keeper. Gibson played one of the thirds in Friday's game.

The Black Sticks also play Holland once before the tournament begins.