Hockey: Indians ruin it again for the Black Sticks

New Zealand's Charlotte Harrison in action against India last night. Picture / Brett Phibbs

History repeated itself when India beat New Zealand out of a chance of hockey gold in Melbourne last night.

And just as tears flowed in Manchester four years ago when the Indians beat New Zealand at the same stage en route to winning the gold, so they did again as the despair of a 1-0 loss set in.

India play Australia in tomorrow's final, the hosts having beaten England 3-0 in the other semifinal.

The Black Sticks could only blame themselves as chance upon chance went begging in the first hour before clever Indian striker Surinder Kaur reacted instinctively to flick a sharp chance past goalkeeper Anita Wawatai seven minutes from the finish.

"In a semifinal, you can't afford to keep a good team like India in the game," coach Ian Rutledge said.

"The girls are very disappointed.

"It's an emotional time for them.

"It was a performance good enough to win, they just didn't take their chances."

New Zealand were all over the Indians like a bear with a honey pot for most of the first half.

But India, a mix of speedy, stick-smart attackers operating in front of a wobbly defensive line, got stronger as the game wore on and showed fighting spirit.

By the time Kaur scored, India had the upper hand and weren't about to have it pinched away as the Black Sticks started to look fragile.

New Zealand's defence had not conceded a goal in their previous three games and were again a sound unit, in which Di Weavers and Lizzy Igasan shone.

But despite sterling work by Michelle Hollands and acres of room to manoeuvre, the midfield had its hands full and up front Kayla Sharland, Honor Dillon and Charlotte Harrison were unable to capitalise on several chances.

India's splendidly named goalkeeper, Helen Innocent, did a strong job, but the goals - notably when Sharland popped the ball over the bar from 2m out shortly before halftime - should have come.

Seven minutes after the break, Sharland had the best chance after a defensive booboo, but could not beat Innocent, again from right in front.

Kaur blocked a shot on the line by the hardworking, and ever-threatening Harrison before the Black Sticks were dealt a tough blow, Kate Mahon sinbinned for five minutes for a high stick.

This roughly coincided with the Indians' growing confidence translating into a greater share of territory and possession.

Still, it was a surprise when Kaur struck.

When Harrison whipped in a shot, which was blocked five minutes from the end, Dillon was unable to nudge it past the sprawling Innocent.

That was that, as India finished the stronger, leaving New Zealand to battle England for the bronze tomorrow morning.