Outstanding goalkeeping from Anita Wawatai helped the New Zealand women's hockey team end a long losing streak to Australia yesterday.
The Black Sticks managed a meritorious 0-0 draw with Australia at the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup tournament in New Delhi, India.
It was their result against Australia since they beat
them in July, 2000.
Wawatai, of Manawatu, was an inspiring figure for the Black Sticks, saving a stroke and leading the successful defence of 13 penalty corners.
New Zealand, ranked No 6 in the world against world No 3 Australia, were awarded four corners as new caps Krystal Forgesson, Kate Mahon and Bridget Kight made their international debuts.
The result was particularly poignant for Jaimee Provan, who was playing her 100th international for New Zealand.
New Zealand coach Ian Rutledge said both teams had enough chances to win the game.
"It (the score) wasn't necessarily a reflection on the amount of opportunities both teams had," he said.
"Defensively I thought we were reasonably well organised and for the first game of the tournament it was a good benchmark to improve on."
The match, which started at 3pm (local time), was played in "ridiculously hot" conditions.
"Temperatures reached 36degC ... probably the hottest we've ever played in as a team," Rutledge said.
"The stadium is a cement bowl so you don't get a lot of respite from the sun."
New Zealand's second tournament match in New Delhi is against Italy today, followed by games against India and Malaysia. The final is on October 8.
- NZPA
