Hockey: Dream debut as Cocks seals win over Aussies

Sophie Cocks in action. Photo / Christine Cornege

As far as international hockey debuts go, Black Sticks striker Sophie Cocks couldn't have asked for much more.

The 19-year-old made good on coach Mark Hager's decision to pick her as she nailed the winner for the Black Sticks as they opened the Oceania Cup with a 3-2 victory over Australia in Stratford yesterday.

With the score at 2-2, Cocks was on-hand to knock the ball in from close range with 10 minutes left.

"It was amazing," she said after the game. "I think playing Australia in the debut, I think that made it 10 times more exciting and especially playing in New Zealand having the home crowd."

Cocks, a business and commerce student at Lincoln University in Canterbury, had her mum and stepfather in attendance but she was still nervous before the game and was thankful to play in front of experienced heads Kayla Sharland and Emily Naylor.

"They just said go out and do what you usually do. I mean we've got great leaders in behind us with Kayla and Emily as a screen. So as a striker it's good, you just listen to them and know you've got experience to tell you what to do up front."

New Zealand took the early lead through Gemma Flynn before Australia answered with goals to Brooke Peris and Anna Flanagan. A Petrea Webster deflection from a Sharland blast levelled the score at halftime.

As the rain set in during the second spell, both sides failed to take any of their chances before Cocks completed her dream debut.

Cocks was one of three players who made their maiden appearance for the Black Sticks with defender Brooke Neal and Elizabeth Thompson also taking the turf at the TET MultiSports Centre.

The Black Sticks were due to meet Papua New Guinea today before tomorrow's rest day and they will round out pool play against Samoa on Saturday. The finals are set for Sunday.

On the men's side draw of the draw, New Zealand opened their campaign with a comprehensive 18-0 over world No 69 Papua New Guinea yesterday afternoon.

The goals were spread around, although Stephen Jenness did manage six and Hugo Inglis and Jared Panchia also scored hat-tricks.

NZ (women) 3 Australia 2
NZ (Men) 18 PNG 0