Black Sticks defeat Malaysia 3-0

TOP CLASS: Amy Robinson scored a goal in her debut for the Black Sticks against Malaysia. PHOTO: photosport

The Black Sticks Women have cruised to a 3-0 win over Malaysia in the first of five tests at the TET MultiSports Centre in Stratford.

Solid execution in the first half saw the Kiwis score goals through Sam Harrison, Michaela Curtis and Amy Robinson while shutting out the Malaysians.

Tauranga duo of Robinson and Frances Davies made their international debuts along with
Brooke Roberts, Pippa Norman, Tarryn Davey, Phoebe Steele, Catherine Tinning and Ginny Wilson.

Black Sticks assistant coach Sean Dancer said there were some good signs from the youngsters but still plenty to improve on during the series.

"We had a lot of new players tonight so there was plenty of nervous energy but also excitement which was great to see," he said.

"It was a good first half from us which we dominated and created a lot of pressure. We fell away a bit in the second half so we know what needs to be worked on ahead of game two."

New Zealand began the game with high intensity and opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Harrison knocked in from a penalty corner.

Curtis doubled the lead 10 minutes later with a tidy finish on a good phase of play up the field.

Midlands youngster Robinson then scored her first ever goal for the Black Sticks from a top drawer piece of aggressive attack.

Neither side could add to the score in the second half as Malaysia improved on defence and caused some trouble for New Zealand on the ball.

The Black Sticks go up against Malaysia in game two at 6.30pm tomorrow.

BLACK STICKS WOMEN 3: (Samantha Harrison, Michaela Curtis, Amy Robinson)
MALAYSIA 0Halftime: Black Sticks 3-0