Hockey: Kiwis draw with Germany

New Zealand made a solid start to the Olympic women's hockey tournament when they drew 1-1 with Germany today.

Rightwing Mandy Smith scored the equaliser from a deflection in an action packed second half.

After a scoreless first half, Germany took the lead with a blistering goal from Heike Laetzsch 17 minutes into the second spell.

Minutes earlier New Zealand goalkeeper Helen Clarke had been the hero of the hour for the Kiwis when she saved a German penalty stroke.

New Zealand's goal came amidst a flurry of penalty corners in the German circle late in the game.

Centre-half Tina Bell-Kake pushed the ball forward and Smith latched on to it.

The Kiwi women dominated possession during the first half but an outstanding defensive effort by Germany kept New Zealand scoreless.

Centre-half Tina Bell-Kake imposed herself on the match after a slow start with several scything runs.

She came agonisingly close to scoring, being denied only by the goalkeeper's foot.

Germany were also unable to convert any of their three penalty corners and a couple of half chances.

- NZPA