TOP CLASS: Tauranga's Frances Davies, left, and Amy Robinson are part of a new-look Black Sticks Women's team. PHOTO/FILE
TOP CLASS: Tauranga's Frances Davies, left, and Amy Robinson are part of a new-look Black Sticks Women's team. PHOTO/FILE
A record number of players from Tauranga were last week named in the Black Sticks Women's squad for next month's test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Experienced internationals Rose Keddell and Sam Charlton are joined by Amy Robinson and Frances Davies, who debuted for the Black Sticks against Malaysialate last year.
It would have been five from Tauranga if Gemma Flynn had been available.
The strong local connection speaks volumes about the development programme run by Tauranga Hockey Association and the benefits of upgrading turf facilities around the city, to dramatically increase playing standards.
Despite getting the call-up to play Malaysia last year, Robinson and Davies were not expecting to be selected to play one of the powerhouses of the world game in Argentina.
The two close friends grew up playing hockey together and came through the Tauranga Girls' College system.
"When I found out I couldn't believe it. It was so exciting but at first a shock," Davies said. "It was such a surprise when I got the email. All the hard work has paid off in the end. And it is even more exciting to gain selection with Amy. We have been dreaming from the age of 12 of playing for the Black Sticks."
Robinson is a unique athlete in having represented New Zealand in three diverse sports of hockey, beach volleyball and athletics.
The news of her selection for Argentina came as she was preparing for an athletics meeting held this weekend in Napier.
"It was quite a shock. I did not expect it and did not believe it was my name on the list. It had to sink in for a moment and I had to read it again," Robinson said.
"After Malaysia I came back home and I had so much more to learn and be better at to make it. I have been training for athletics. It really helps the hockey and I have been able to do some of the longer runs like the Smiths Sports Shoes 5km just to help with my hockey fitness."
Davies says they learnt plenty from the Malaysian series but "Argentina are such an amazing team so it will be stepping up again".
"It will be pretty scary but it will be a great experience. I will be able to learn from some of the top players in the world."
TALENTED: Amy Robinson in action for the Black Sticks v Malaysia in December. PHOTO:FILE
Robinson says it will be the first time she and Davies have played with Keddell and Charlton since their first year in the National Hockey League with Midlands.
"We learnt so much off them then so I guess it is so exciting to be able to learn off them again and get lots of local home support.
"We have been running with Rosie. She is a good mentor for Fran and I, so that has been really helpful over summer."
Black Sticks Women's head coach Mark Hager has named a versatile team for the series which runs from February 10-22 in Buenos Aries.
It will be the side's first competition of the year as the young squad builds towards the FIH Women's World League Final in Auckland this November.
Hager said the series was a great opportunity to open the year against world number three Argentina.
"Following the Rio Olympics it's a new era for us and it will be exciting for all these players to have a high quality hit-out ahead of a big year," he said.
