Hockey: Black Sticks earn gritty draw

The New Zealand Black Sticks' Olivia Merry. Photo / Greg Bowker

New Zealand produced a fine, gritty performance to draw 1-1 with world No 1 the Netherlands at the Champions Trophy women's hockey tournament in Mendoza, Argentina today.

The Black Sticks, ranked No 4, have never beaten the Dutch and had to work overtime on defence late on as the Netherlands sought to regain the lead.

It was scoreless at quarter time but the Dutch went ahead shortly before halftime. From a penalty corner, Caia van Maasakker struck the ball firmly, low to the right of goalkeeper Georgia Barnett.

New Zealand's goal just after the start of the final quarter was a brilliant effort by Canterbury attacker Olivia Merry.

From a ball struck firmly into the circle by Pippa Hayward, Merry swivelled and struck a first time shot high into the Dutch goal.

It was Merry's second goal of the tournament.

Barnett, who has won only seven international caps, was an outstanding last line as the Dutch -- missing only three players from this year's World up-winning team, strove for the winner late on.

The Netherlands and New Zealand lead pool A with four points each. China and Japan were squaring off this morning.

New Zealand play world No 5 China in their final pool game on Wednesday morning with a great chance of making the top four playoff spots.

''It was a really gutsy effort from the girls," Black Sticks captain Anita Punt said of a New Zealand display in which much of the match was given over to stout-hearted defence.

''We'll always take a draw against the Dutch."

Punt had high praise for Barnett's work.

''It's her first major tournament. She's awesome, she did great."

China and Japan drew their pool A game 1-1, leaving the Netherlands and New Zealand clear on four points each, with China and Japan on one point going into the final round of matches on Wednesday morning.