Hockey: Black Sticks defeat India

The New Zealand women's hockey team's first outing under new coach Mark Hager ended positively today in Christchurch with a 3-2 win over India.

Krystal Forgesson got the home side off to a good start with a goal in just the eighth minute after she picked up a rebound off debutant Sam Harrison's initial shot.

Harrison was on hand 10 minutes later to take advantage of an Indian mistrap.

The ball fell to the young Northlander, who beat two defenders before finishing nicely.

India then stayed in the contest when they scored in the 26th minute through a penalty corner variation finished by Rijuta Nullick.

New Zealand responded instantly from the restart transferring by the ball up field for Forgesson to finish in a clinical fashion.

Play became more messy in the second spell, with both teams giving away too many turnovers.

The Indians ensured interest until the end by scoring in the 60th minute from another penalty corner, which was this time converted by Toonam Rani on the post.

That goal led to a tense finish but Indian did not threaten any further.

New Zealand's standouts were frontline players Forgesson, Harrison and Gemma Flynn, particularly in the first half.

The two teams meet again in Nelson this weekend for the second and third tests.

New Zealand can expect a tougher time in Nelson, taking into consideration that India arrived in Christchurch only late last night.

New Zealand 3 (Krystal Forgesson 2, Sam Harrison) India 2 (Rijuta Nullick, Toonam Rani). Halftime: 3-1.

- NZPA