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New Zealand women’s hockey team exacted sweet revenge over South Korea by slamming three past them without any reply to clinch the Four Nations hockey tournament, which concluded at the ITM Hockey Centre in Whangarei, New Zealand on Sunday.
The Black Sticks women, who were handed a narrow 3-4 defeat by the same opponents in the tournament opener, came out all guns blazing to lay their hands on the championship trophy.
Egged on by a lively home crowd, New Zealand eves took control of the proceedings with long periods of passing play. The opening half witnessed fast-paced action as both teams pushed forward in pursuit of scoring the opening goal. The South Koreans also had their moments but the Black Sticks offered stout resistance with their defence, nullifying all their sallies with aplomb.
But it was the home side who broke the deadlock late in the opening stanza. Sian Fremaux, who has been in good form in this tournament, shot her side into the lead – scoring her third goal of the tourney.
South Korea needed to respond strongly and get an equalizer before the half-time hooter. But the Black Sticks dominated the closing stages of the first half and it translated into a second goal.
Katie Glynn, who fired a penalty corner goal against the United States in the previous match, sounded the board as New Zealand eves went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
South Korea, who completely outplayed the same opponents in the tournament opener with sheer pace, were not allowed to play their natural game They could not quite enjoy possession for long periods, which had a big say in the final outcome of the match.
They needed a robust start in the second stanza but it was not to be as the Black Sticks towered over them.
Sian Fremaux gave the Mark Hager-coached side more joy when she rattled the Korean cage for the team’s fourth goal – her fourth goal of the tournament.
The third goal took the wind out of the Korean sails. The Asian giants seemed resigned to their fate as the home team emerged triumphant.
Earlier, world champions Argentina vanquished USA 3-0 to take the third spot. The Olympic silver medallists scored through Delfina Merino, Giselle Juarez and Sofi Maccari.
It may be mentioned here that the Four-Nations Tournament is a double-leg affair. The second leg would be held in Hamilton and Tauranga from April 17 to 21.
