Black Sticks down Italy

The New Zealand women's hockey team progressed to the top four of the Champions Challenge in South Africa overnight (NZT), subduing a stubborn Italy 4-2 in Cape Town.

New Zealand, ranked five places ahead of the Italians, needed a second half resurgence to end pool play with a perfect record and join South Africa, Japan and Spain in the battle to make Monday's final.

Samantha Harris and Clarissa Eshuis ended Italy's resistance as New Zealand gained the ascendancy after a double strike from captain Francesca Faustini rocked the favourites.

In stark contrast to their classy 3-0 upset of world No 7 Spain in their tournament opener, the 16th-ranked Italians proved a tricky unstructured opponent before New Zealand finally pulled clear from a 2-2 halftime deadlock.

They face unbeaten hosts South Africa early tomorrow and Japan on Sunday. One victory should be enough to book a place in the tournament final - success there guarantees promotion to the top-tier Champions Trophy in 2010.

New Zealand were guilty of making a subdued start to the pool B clash, Faustini taking advantage in the 18th minute when her slick reverse stick shot pierced a sleepy Black Sticks defence.

Striker Katie Glynn equalised with a field goal through a logjam in the circle on the half hour but Faustini regained the lead briefly a minute later via a penalty corner.

However, the Italians joy was shortlived as New Zealand swept downfield from the restart, forward Anita Punt applying the finishing touch.

Punt's field goal demoralised the Italians and they fell away during the second 35-minute period.

A yellow card for Mathilde Canavosio with 20 minutes to play proved decisive as New Zealand were quick to take advantage when Krystal Forgesson weaved her way into the circle before the ball was transferred to striker Sam Harrison at the left post for a simple slap into the net.

Drag flick specialist Clarissa Eshuis then found the net from a penalty corner three minutes from time to ensure veteran Kate Mahon marked her 50th cap in appropriate fashion.

In other matches South Africa blanked Azerbaijan 3-0 and Japan sneaked past Chile 1-0.

New Zealand 4 (Katie Glynn, Anita Punt, Samantha Harris, Clarissa Eshuis) Italy 2 (Francesca Faustini) Halftime 2-2

- NZPA