The five test series between reigning women’s World Champions Argentina and New Zealand’s brilliant Black Sticks got underway this weekend in Rosario. Las Leonas were 4-1 winners in the first test, with New Zealand’s youthful line-up producing a much improved performance to claim a 1-1 draw in the second test.
Argentina were dominant in the first test and led 3-0 at half time, courtesy of two penalty corners and a field goal. The home side scored another penalty corner early in the second half, but a goal late goal from Gemma Flynn got the Black Sticks on the scoreboard and was some reward for the inexperienced Kiwi side. Despite defeat, the first test was a memorable one for New Zealand’s Katie Glynn (pictured), who played her 100th international match and was given the honour of captaining the team.
The second test was a far more even contest, with the Black Sticks showing great improvement to battle to a 1-1 draw. Argentina took the lead in the 15th minute of the match thanks to a penalty stroke from Noel Barrionuevo, but Stacey Michelsen levelled the scores just before the break when she picked up a rebound from her own initial shot to slot home.
Speaking after the second test, Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said: “It was a much improved and more disciplined performance, particularly our penalty corner defence. We still missed some chances that would have won us the game, but hopefully we can really make the most of our opportunities on Wednesday.”
“We are a young side with a lot of new players”, continued Hager. “We had a good debrief this morning and there were a lot of learnings. It is pleasing to see that there is definite improvement in the areas that we targeted and that this showed in the score line."
