Black Sticks in tight battle

DEFENCE BREACHED: United States 'keeper Jackie Briggs is beaten for the only goal of the game.

It was just what the doctor ordered when the Black Sticks beat United States 1-0 on Saturday in the first of the two women's internationals at Clareville over Labour weekend.

A goal by co-captain Anita Punt in the 47th minute was enough to give the Kiwis the victory and keep the six-test series alive going into yesterday's final encounter. It meant both teams had two wins apiece with the other game being drawn.

Watched by a vocal crowd of around 1300, including All Blacks captain Richie McCaw whose partner Gemma Flynn is the most capped player in the current Black Sticks squad, the match produced some exciting end-to-end action with the New Zealanders having the major share of possession, especially in the first half when they spent long periods in opposition territory but were held out by some stubborn and well-structured United States defence.

Black Sticks head coach Mark Hager said the lack of goals was frustrating: "We had plenty of opportunities and hopefully the girls will understand they have to work harder at their goal scoring and circle entries.

"It does take time at this level to get used to the pressure, to realise how quickly you have to shoot."

Hager was, however, happy with his team's defensive effort, saying one of their main aims had been to keep United States scoreless. "To achieve that is pleasing, when you hold an opposition team to zero you have done pretty well."

A number of the senior Black Sticks were unavailable for this series, meaning eight changes to the line-up since the Commonwealth Games. There have been just three changes to the United States team since they finished fourth at the World Cup in June.