Spain beat Black Sticks in women’s international

New Zealand struggled to crack a tight Spanish defence before going down 2-1 in their women’s hockey international in Tauranga.

The Black Sticks celebrate a goal during the women’s International hockey match against Spain in Tauranga.
Photo: Photosport

All the goals came in the first half before world No.7 Spain effectively muffled the attacking play of the eighth-ranked Black Sticks in a match played in wet conditions.

Both teams were pleased the game at least went ahead after the first scheduled match was washed out on Saturday by the heavy deluge of rain that hit the upper North Island.

Organisers hoped a second game could be organised for Tuesday but had been unable to confirm that fixture in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s match.

Maialen Garcia put Spain in front following a goalmouth scramble in which Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon made two reaction saves.

Stephanie Dickins levelled the score with a goal from a penalty corner to celebrate her 50th test for New Zealand.

However, Spanish captain Maria Lopez scored the decisive goal – also from a penalty corner soon before halftime.

It was the 100th international for Black Sticks defender Francis Davies, who hails from Tauranga, while there was a debut cap handed to striker Hannah Cotter.

The match was New Zealand’s first since placing fourth at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games last August and was their first under new coach Phil Burrows – the former long-serving Black Sticks men’s international.

– RNZ