New mum Millington passes first test in comeback bid

If there's one thing Alana Millington knows, it is that plans do not always go according to script and goals can change.
The 21-year-old Springfield midfielder was called into the Black Sticks squad to take on the Indian women in the five-test series in Palmerston North, Napier and Wellington only six months after giving birth to her son Jordan Leybourn.
"I couldn't play National Hockey League last year as I was pregnant, so therefore I wasn't eligible for the Black Sticks squad, but Mark [Hager, Black Sticks coach] kept me in the development squad, so I could get back into training  after the pregnancy, which was nice," she said.
Having first debuted for the Black Sticks in May 2007 aged 17, her unexpected pregnancy disrupted any further progression with the team. But for the past three months, she has been training "hard out" with the development squad, alongside the Black Sticks - working mainly on her fitness.
While she still needs to do more work, particularly on her speed and strength, she said she had come a long way since she first started back. "I'm still not where I used to be ... but my fitness is getting better."
When Hager selected her for the test series with India, Millington was a little surprised - her original goal was to be back in the black dress next year. "But goals change - and I guess it will make me train harder. I'm lucky I am young. This test series was mainly to see where I am at and what I still need to do to get back up there."
Millington played in the first test against India in Palmerston North, and she was on the card for Wednesday's test in Napier but did not make it to the turf.
While she was not expecting much game time heading into the series, being with the team has fuelled the desire to play at the top level again.
"I haven't played heaps of game time. Mark hasn't chucked me into the deep end, and wanted me to ease me in slowly and not overdo it. It's just a little taste ... but it's made me realise I still have a way to go - I know myself I am not ready to play at the Champions' Trophy in July - but it has also made me realise that I'm hungry for it and want to be back up there."
The Black Sticks are in Wellington this weekend for the final two matches of the series. The Kiwis are currently trailing the unexpectedly strong Indian side, who lead the series 1-0. A rusty Black Sticks contingent lost the first match, and drew their following two games. They  need to win both remaining fixtures to win the series.
Millington's partner Sean Leybourn, and her mother Angeline Waetford will travel to Wellington with baby Jordan to watch the matches today  and tomorrow  - something Millington was looking forward to. She hadn't seen her family since last weekend when Waetford and Leybourn were in Palmerston North to watch the first test.
"It's hard being away from him. It's hard being a mum and playing at the same time ... but I'm really enjoying it all."