India go down narrowly to New Zealand in the Women Four Nation Hockey Tournament
12 April 2012:
The Indian women hockey team went down fighting 1-2 to host New Zealand in their opening match of the Four Nation Tournament at the Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland today.
Anita Punt (3rd minute) and Katie Glynn (24th minute) scored for the winning team, while Anuradha Devi Thokchom found the mark for India in the 40th minute.
In windy and cool conditions, New Zealand made the perfect start with striker Anita Punt scoring the opening goal after the circle scramble in the 3rd minute.
India made a number of penetrating runs from forwards Rani, Vandana Katariya and Ritu Rani but found the Kiwi defenders rising to the occasions.
India played full press in the first half and earned four penalty corners but were unable to break New Zealand’s clean sheet.
The Kiwi’s increased their lead in the 24th minute with the powerful Katie Glynn smashing the ball high into the goal past Indian goalkeeper Yogita Bali. Glynn had earlier executed an impressive drag-flick attempt from a penalty corner which was saved by Bali.
After the breather India attacked rigorously and were rewarded when Poonam Rani setup Anuradha Devi Thokchom who found the target in the 40th minute. India kept pushing for the equalizer but brilliant saves from New Zealand goalkeeper Bianca Russell enabled the home team to hold on to the 2-1 victory.
India will now play USA in their second match on Friday.