Hockey: Black Sticks Women get off to winning start against Malaysia

Sam Harrison opened the scoring for the Black Sticks Women in their win over Malaysia. Photo / Photosport.

The Black Sticks Women have drawn first blood in their five-match series against Malaysia with a 3-0 victory in Taranaki tonight.

Following a nervous start, veteran midfielder Sam Harrison opened the scoring in her 97th international appearance, by steering in a wayward shot following a penalty corner.

The home side extended their lead towards the end of the first quarter with Michaela Curtis providing the finishing touch on a well-placed pass in front of goal.

The Black Sticks wrapped the result up early in the second quarter with striker Amy Robinson scoring on debut following a flurry for the ball in front of goal.

Malaysia managed to stem the scoring tide throughout the remainder of the contest while New Zealand were unable to capitalise on several promising attacking opportunities.

The visitors predicament worsened however when Hanis Nadiah Onn was yellow carded for deliberately stalling a restart.

Malaysia persisted and pressed for a goal in the dying stages but was unable to penetrate the Black Sticks defence.

Black Sticks Women 3 (S Harrison, M Curtis, A Robinson)

Malaysia 0