New Zealand defeat India 6-3, other matches low scoring

Goal scorers: NZL Stephen Jenness PC 6m FG 25m FG 30m, NZL Blair Hilton FG 7m, NZL Benjamin Collier FG 11m, IND Danish Mujtaba FG 12m, NZL Joel Baker PC 15m, IND Sardar Singh PC 17m, IND Ravi Pal FG 24m

The Kiwis dominated in all aspects during the first half of tonight’s match against India in the LANCO International Super Series in Perth. New Zealand went to the half-time break 4-1 ahead displaying excellent skills against a passionate Indian team eager to impress their international audience.

The second half saw India ramp it up to a new level, increasing their efforts and scoring opportunities, coming close to the kiwis and trailing by only two goals with three minutes remaining, India certainly looked the more impressive. A penalty shootout awarded to New Zealand was accurately executed but disallowed.

The Kiwis were not done however, breaking away to score with a shot hitting the cross bar on the final siren, ending the game 6-3 over India, with Stephen Jenness claiming three of the goals for his country.

Women’s India 3 def Malaysia 1

Goal scorers: IND Ritu RANI LG 10m FG,MAS Rahman Nadia ABDUL FG 17m, IND Sushila CHANU FG 20m, IND Vandana Katariya FG 28m

The first five minutes saw both teams warming into the new format, moving the ball evenly back and forward through the mid-field with plenty of turnovers by both sides. Malaysia had a scare in the first two minutes when a player went down in the goal circle from a flailing reverse stick shot by India in front of goal.
India contained Malaysia well, defending tightly and forcing turnovers from rushed shots.

India was awarded the first Long Corner of the tournament, with the five-on-five line-up resulting in India’s first goal when Ritu RANI camped on the right hand side of the goals and tapped in.

Malaysia continued to defend well throughout the remainder of the first half, with no more goals scored by either team before the half-time break.
Malaysia levelled the scores in the 17th minute when the captain squeezed a goal through the rut of defenders. Malaysia unlucky not to take the lead when a breakaway pass found their player camped deep in the half, but her shot was mis-hit and sailed out behind the goals.

India took the lead in the 20th minute, earning a field goal off a Long Corner and the attackers working the ball deftly to reach the back of the goals. India followed again quickly in the 27th minute with another field goal awarded.
Malaysia was again unlucky not to score when faced with an open goal in the 28th minute, going down to India in this first match of the LANCO International Super Series.