Black Sticks fade in first test

New Zealand's youthful women's hockey team came out fighting against arch rivals Australia in the first of three tests being played in Perth early today (NZT).

New Zealand took an early lead, Gemma Flynn firing home two goals in the first 10 minutes.

Black Sticks women's coach Mark Hager said the solid first half performance saw his team lead 2-1 at halftime, after Australia pulled one back courtesy of Madonna Blyth in the 19th minute.

But the heat of international competition tested the team in the second spell, and Australia maintained focus to convert two late penalties from Nic Arrold in the 55th minute and Fiona Johnson in the 60th.

Hager said while it was a hard-fought game, the team needed to work on improving their finishing for the next test against Australia on Tuesday.

New caps Cathryn Finlayson and Natasha Fitzsimons put together a solid performance in their international debut.

The Black Sticks women play two more tests against Australia in Perth tomorrow and on Wednesday.

The New Zealand men's team leave for Australia today, and will meet Australia in a two-test series as part of the final warm-up to the World Cup on February 28-March 13.

Both matches will be played in Perth on Wednesday and Friday this week.

- NZPA