Hockey: Black Sticks again pay the penalty

Charlotte Harrison's penalty shootout goal couldn't prevent the Black Sticks from losing. Photo / Getty

New Zealand's penalty shootout hoodoo struck again as Australia won a thrilling women's Oceania Cup title in Stratford today.

The scores were tied 1-1 at fulltime after a thrilling contest in which both teams squandered gilt-edged scoring chances.

The first five shots were saved by keepers Sally Rutherford of New Zealand and Rachel Lynch.

Jodie Kenny put Australia in front, Charlotte Harrison equalised before Mariah Williams got what proved the matchwinner and when Olivia Merry's shot was blocked by Lynch it was the Aussies in a jubilant huddle.

New Zealand have previously lost a penalty stroke decider in the 2010 Commonwealth Games final to Australia; and shootouts to the Netherlands in the 2012 Olympic semifinal and to England in the 2014 Commonwealths in Glasgow last year.

Attacker Petrea Webster put fourth-ranked New Zealand ahead in the sixth minute with a brave goal, diving forward under pressure to nudge the ball into the Australian goal.

World No 2 Australia had a bundle of penalty corners but New Zealand's stout-hearted defence held firm.

Rutherford made one superb save to deny Ashleigh Nelson from point black range and Black Sticks players Stacey Michelsen and Pippa Hayward had fine opportunities which they failed to capitalise on. Captain Anita Punt was among the best players on the field.
Both teams have already qualified for next year's Rio Olympics.