Hockey: Coach makes some tough selections following India series

Mark Hager. Photo / Dean Purcell

Bold showings by Laura Douglas, Lucy Talbot and Natasha Fitzsimons in the just-completed five-test series against the visiting Indians were enough to convince national women's coach Mark Hager they should be included in his squad for July's Champions Trophy tournament in England.

Hager and his fellow selectors had to make some tough calls in naming the 18 players for the Nottingham tournament in which the Black Sticks will be the lowest-ranked of the six nations.

Hager has added a 19th player to the squad with the experienced Stacey Carr, on the comeback from injury, included but she will only play in the lead-up four-nations tournament in the Netherlands.

"We felt playing the Champions Trophy would be too much for her at this stage after being out of hockey for seven months," said Hager.

"But provided she comes through the tournament in Holland she will definitely be considered for the World Cup and Commonwealth Games."

In making way for Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor, Krystal Forgesson, Gemma Flynn and Katie Glynn who have been playing in Europe, Hager has had to make the hard call in overlooking some of those players who played against India.

Former Canterbury, now Auckland-based Kate Saunders, Jas McQuinn, Stacey Brannigan and Cath Finlayson were singled out as perhaps the most unlucky to miss selection.

"I plan to meet Kate early next week and go over a few things with her," said Hager. "Missing out this time certainly does not rule her out of World Cup contention."

After putting out a relatively inexperienced squad against India, Hager welcomes back his more experienced players including 24-year-olds Sharland and Naylor who have both played more than 100 games for New Zealand.

The next most experienced players are Auckland striker Forgesson and in-form goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit who was the outstanding player in the losing series against India. Both have 88 caps and should reach the "100 club" at the World Cup.

At the other end of the scale, teenagers Sam Harrison, 18, and Stacey Michelsen, 19, have played 14 and 20 times respectively for the Black Caps. With just 10 caps, North Harbour defender Fitzsimons, 21, is the least experienced.

North Harbour's Bianca Russell has been named as the second goalkeeper ahead of Sally Rutherford.

Northland midfielder Ella Gunson, 20, who missed the Indian tests through injury, has been included but will need to pass a fitness test before the team leaves on June 26. Hager has seven or eight players on standby.

BLACK STICKS
* Goalkeepers: Beth Jurgeleit (Wellington) 88 caps, Bianca Russell (North Harbour) 14
* Defenders: Clarissa Eshuis (Midlands) 50, Natasha Fitzsimons (North Harbour) 10, Emily Naylor (Central) 123, Lucy Talbot (Auckland) 18
* Midfielders: Laura Douglas (Northland), Gemma Flynn (Midlands) 41, Ella Gunson (Northland) 18, Sam Harrison (Auckland) 14, Stacey Michelsen (North Harbour) 20, Anita Punt (Wellington) 18, Kayla Sharland (Central) 106, Anna Thorpe (Northland) 19
* Strikers: Krystal Forgesson (Auckland) 88, Katie Glynn (Auckland) 12, Piki Hamahona (Central) 32, Charlotte Harrison (Northland) 78

COMING UP
Four Nations Tournament, Netherlands
* June 29-July 4
* Teams competing, Netherlands, New Zealand, China, Argentina

Champions Trophy, Nottingham, England
* July 10-18

New Zealand matches
* July 10: v Netherlands
* July 11: v China
* July 13: v Argentina
* July 15: v Germany
* July 17: v England
* July 18: Play-offs