Hockey: NZ finish strongly for Champions Trophy fifth

Gemma Flynn. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

New Zealand finished the women's hockey Champions Trophy on a high note with a 4-3 win over China in the playoff for fifth and sixth place late today (NZT).

In a fast-paced game characterised by some enterprising attack from both teams, the Black Sticks showed real grit to fight back from a goal down on three occasions, securing the win with seven minutes to go.

The win was New Zealand's first in the Champions Trophy since 2002, and came after they were beaten 1-3 by China in pool play, The fifth placing equals their best finish at the Champions Trophy.

The New Zealanders started strongly, midfielder Gemma Flynn's strong run to the top of the circle almost rewarded after Katie Glynn returned a sweet lay-off and Flynn's volley rocketed off the underside of the crossbar.

However, it was China who scored first after a strong run down the right from Fu Baorong, whose shot found a New Zealand foot in the circle.

A well-worked penalty corner saw Ma Yibo's flick beat Black Sticks keeper Bianca Russell, and China took the early lead.

New Zealand hit back barely three minutes later following an elusive run from Charlotte Harrison, who showed real tenacity down the left and then along the baseline.

She forced Chinese keeper Zhang Yimeng into a reflex save, following up to volley the block into the top of the net.

China's strength on the break led to their second goal in the 22nd minute, after the Black Sticks' first penalty corner of the match was frittered away.

Midfielder Zhao Yudiao's shot rocketed off the edge of her stick past a sprawling Russell to give China a 2-1 lead which they held going into the break.

The Black Sticks equalised four minutes into the second half from the second of two penalty corners in rapid succession, a ferocious strike from Glynn crashing home to tie the game.

They lost the lead yet again four minutes later, as a Chinese referral saw video umpire Lisa Roach (Australia) award the penalty corner.

A well-placed low flick from Ma Yibo into the corner left Ruussell with no chance, and China's grip on the game looked to be tightening.

New Zealand's chances were further shaken when they lost hard-working defender Clarissa Eshuis after a ball to the eye with 15 minutes remaining.

China's forays on the Black Sticks' goal increased in frequency and ferocity. but New Zealand equalised again in the 58th minute through Piki Hamahona, who calmly slotted home a pinpoint cross from Flynn.

Five minutes later, Flynn's diving reverse-stick shot from some scrappy play gave New Zealand the lead for the first time, although it tooks some sterling saves from Russell before the win was secure.

- NZPA