Hockey: Debutante goals add gloss to classy win

By TERRY MADDAFORD

National women's coach Jan Borren took plenty of positives from New Zealand's win over South Korea in the opening test at the National Hockey Centre at Mt Albert Park, Wellington.

Particularly pleasing for Borren was the high conversion rate at penalty corners, with three international newcomers scoring.

Goals to debutantes Paula Enoka, Penny Munns and Lizzie Igasan earned the Black Sticks their deserved victory in a game in which New Zealand never trailed.

"There were some pleasing aspects from what is a reasonably new team," said Borren. "It is about time we progressed from what had become a pretty established side.

"It will be interesting to see how these players develop as the series progresses."

Borren said the side had made some important strides in the penalty corner area since the Sydney Olympics.

"We certainly can't complain with three from nine.

"To have a conversion rate of over 30 per cent is very good. We managed 22 per cent at the Sydney Olympics - the best of the tournament - but often it has been down as low 12 to 15 per cent.

"For three players to score from penalty corners in their first internationals is probably unique.

"With so many players coming in and out of the game, it was necessary to keep it simple, which they did.

"To be fair, the Koreans were a little disorganised defensively at penalty corners but we could not worry about that.

"In the end that is what won us the game."

Enoka opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Munns, with her first touch in international hockey, made it 2-0. The visitors hit back just before halftime, with Korean captain Bo Kyung Kang scoring in the 34 minute.

Enoka's 18-year-old North Harbour team-mate Igasan - the pair shared fullback duties - re-established New Zealand's two-goal advantage in the 54th minute before the Koreans got one back late in the game when Mi Kyung Shin scored.

While New Zealand had seven new players on show, Suzie Pearce, a veteran of 116 internationals, was a vital midfield link and worked well with Sandy Bennett, later named the player of the day, in keeping a tight hold on the nippy Korean attack.

"The series is excellent for us," said Borren. "While four games in eight days is quite demanding, we do have some time to work on things. It is a good opportunity to play a top-ranked international side but it was a bit difficult coming from our off-season as most of the players have not had any match play for some time.

"But this series is about giving players international experience and seeing if they can step up."

The two teams trained in Wellington yesterday. They fly to Napier this morning and train again this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow night's second test.