Hockey World League: New Zealand women thrash India 5-0

New Zealand scoring their 4^th goal of the match

New Zealand women have maintained a stranglehold over the Indians in recent years. The Black Sticks’ women’s team have not lost to India in their last twelve meetings with the former’s last defeat coming way back in May 2010. The onus was clearly on India to change the script after their opening game loss to 13^th-ranked Belgium, but what came to the fore was their propensity to offer meek surrender against the world’s top teams.

The Indian eves, who had lost to 4^th-ranked New Zealand 1-4 in their last meeting in Hawke’s Bay Cup in April, were rocked by an early Gemma Flynn goal and the black brigade consolidated their position in the second quarter through an Olivia Merry goal as they led 2-0 at half-time.

India struggled to stand competitive against the much superior opponents, who made the scoreline 3-0 through Gemma Flynn – her sixth goal of the event, having scored four goals in their 12-0 walloping of Poland in their first tie. The match was probably out of India’s grasp when they trailed 0-3 going into the final quarter. Kirsten Pierce struck a brace in the final quarter to cap off an emphatic win for New Zealand.

The 13^th ranked Indian eves have plenty to ponder after two consecutive losses and will need a lot of hard work if they are to finish Pool B on a high note.

India play Poland next in their third match on 24^th June at 7.30 pm