Korea were not without their chances but had to rely on a strong defensive effort to stay in the match.
Once Argentina scored their opening goal they relaxed a little and showed why they are ranked number three in the world.
Final result:
Argentine 2 (Martina Cavallero 34 & 54)
Korea Nil
India v China
India came into the opening match of the Hawke's Bay Cup Hockey tournament knowing they would have to produce something special to upset their more fancied opponents, China.
The Indian defence was strong but in the end couldn't hold out the skilful Chinese team who are 6 places ahead of them on the world rankings.
The first quarter was a relatively even affair with China having the best of the early exchanges but not being able to finish.
India relied mainly on the fast break and did manage to catch the Chinese on a number of occasions but couldn't make it count. Play seesawed up and down the turf in the early stages of the second quarter with neither team able to dominate for any length of time.
That all changed just after halftime when three goals were scored in a period of 7 minutes. India was first on the board (31mins) when against the form shown in the first half, Anuradha Thokchom got the ball into the back of the net to give India a 1 nil lead.
Just 3 minutes later Mengu Wang levelled the match for China when India failed to clear the ball from a penalty corner. Then it was the turn of Qian Yu to give China a 2 - 1 lead after a goalmouth scramble.
The reminder of the match was a scrappy affair with both sides fainling to capitalise on a number of chances in front of goal..
Final result:
China 2 (Mengu Wang 34, Qian Yu 38)
India 1 ( Anuradha Thokchom 31)
Australia v USA
Two of the more fancied teams at the Hawke's Bay Cup Hockey tournament showed that they are truly a match for each other.
Both the USA and Australia produced goal mouth action and some stern defence before fishing the match at 1 all.
The USA opened the match strongly Australia being forced to do most of the defending and only being able to launch sporadic raids into their attacking end.
The USA was first to create a chance in the second 15 when striker Jill Witmer just failed to connect with a strongly hit cross to the far post. Shortly after the USA were left rueing one that got away when Captain Lauren Crandall had a penalty stroke saved by Australian keeper Rachael Lynch.
The opening goal came after 22 minutes when Mellissa Gonzalez found the back of the net for the USA after a penalty corner.
The USA launched a number of promising raids as the half wound down but Australia finished the quarter with a sustained period on attack but couldn't get a goal back.
Australia began the second half strongly, forcing a number of saves from USA keeper Alesha Widdall. Chances were created at both ends before Emily Smith crashed home an equalizer in the 42nd minute.
Australia finished the match strongly creating a number of chances but the teams were locked together at fulltime.
Final result:
USA 1 (Mellissa Gonzalez 22)
Australia (Emily Smith 42)
