Mark Cromie Northland Women went down 3-0 to North Harbour in a pre-National Hockey League trial game in Whangarei.
The Northland contingent was without eight of the team to play in the July 30-31 and August 6-14 tournament, six Black Sticks and Australian imports Emma Cobbin and Jess Esslemont, but this
gave the rest of the squad the opportunity to step up. A depleted midfield meant New Zealand development player Jasmin McQuinn played out position in a dual centre half role with Rana Vette.
North Harbour were always dangerous on the break and this gave North's defenders a much needed workout, coach Alan Lints explained.
Sweeper Jacinda McLeod was quick to assert her dominance and turned defence into attack with a series of aerial balls.
Despite Northland having clear chances, they were unable to convert them and trailed 0-2 at halftime, disappointing Lints.
"Really the score should have been 2-2 at half time. At NHL level we cannot afford not to put these chances away," he said.
Northland's lack of midfielders and the frantic pace of the game meant Lints had to move Carli Mickleson back to the inside to play a more traditional role, but at the expense of scoring goals.
"Using a more traditional system meant we absorbed pressure well and we tended to be more patient with our passes."
However, they still could not find the back of the goal, and North Harbour scored an early second-half goal to extend their lead.
"With the aim being to give everybody a fair trial, the result was not imperative, however it did give us a good chance to look at the overall squad," Lints said.
He commended Melissa Simpson who had a good game at striker, causing havoc with her speed and deception. McLeod was very stable at the back and even though playing in an unfamiliar role, McQuinn showed determination against her former province.
Northland need to work on securing possession and on their defence, he said.
The final squad (two to be omitted) will be named after the next fitness test on June 27.
