Hockey: Bell-Kake to start afresh

By Terry Maddaford

Tina Bell-Kake is a step nearer to fulfilling her ambition to return to hockey at the highest level after being named in the New Zealand women's team to play in a four-nations tournament in Argentina next month.

Bell-Kake, who played at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics but retired after last year's Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, is back and has the chance to add to her 104 international appearances.

She joins fellow-centurions Anna Lawrence (115), Robyn Matthews (141), Kate Trolove (138) and Mandy Smith (104) in a vastly experienced side.

The New Zealand team play Argentina in two warm-up games in Buenos Aires on January 16 and 17 before moving to Mar del Plata for the international tournament from January 20 to 23, when they will meet Spain, the United States and the hosts.

The tournament is a vital lead-up to the Olympic qualifying tournament in England from March 23 to April 4. They also have a test series against Japan in Christchurch in late February.

New Zealand team for Argentina: Skippy McGregor (Manawatu), Kylie Foy, Sandy Bennett, Mandy Smith, Lisa Walton, Helen Clarke, Leisen Jobe, Tina Bell-Kake (Auckland), Rachel Petrie, Anna Lawrence, Kate Trolove, Anne Marie Irving, Diana Weavers (Canterbury), Robyn Matthews (Wanganui), Suzie Pearce, Caryn Paewai (Wellington). Coach: Jan Borren. Assistant coach: Chris Leslie.