injuries to key players blighted the New Zealand women's hockey team's 3-3 draw with Germany in Berlin yesterday.
Co-captain Kayla Sharland, who scored the match-winning goal in their 4-3 win over the same opponents on Monday, was forced off the field with a hamstring strain with 20 minutes left while goalkeeper
Bianca Russell has a suspected calf injury.
"We will get them checked out tomorrow, and will evaluate how serious it is and what measures need to be taken," said Black Sticks coach Mark Hager yesterday. Their injuries took the gloss off another encouraging performance against the world's No 3 ranked side as the tourists battled back from two goals down to draw the test.
Northland's Charlotte Harrison grabbed two goals and Ella Gunson another as the side earned praise from Hager. "It was a real team grind today - a gutsy performance from all players, they just don't give up. Everyone is improving as each game goes on," said Hager.
Germany led 2-0 after goals from open play inside 18 minutes after the Black Sticks had struggled to put away their own chances.
Harrison halved the deficit in the 26th minute from a penalty corner and the hosts went to the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Gunson levelled the scores from another penalty corner variation after the break, but a Germany counter attack got them back in front before Harrison capitalised on good work from striker Krystal Forgesson to deflect the ball into the Germany goal.
There was still time for Black Sticks goalkeeper Sally Rutherford to make a quality save from a penalty corner to ensure the game ended in a draw.
The Black Sticks now travel to Den Haag in the Netherlands and will play their first of three practice games against China on June 16 (NZT). They then play one practice game against the Dutch and another against Korea before the Champions Trophy starts on the June 26.NZPA
