Hockey: Black Sticks open Champions Challenge with draw

Kayla Sharland scored an early second half goal to secure a draw for the New Zealand women's hockey team in their opening Champions Challenge match in the United States today (NZ time).

England struck first with a field goal from Leisa King in the 27th minute to carry that advantage into the break before Sharland scored in the 39th minute to ultimately provide the Black Sticks' first points at the six-team tournament in Virginia Beach.

Neither team gained the upper-hand throughout the match, but New Zealand coach Ian Rutledge was satisfied with the result.

"It was a good start to the tournament against a very strong side," Rutledge said.

"It was a solid performance but not complete. We were at 90 per cent execution, but we have the beginning of a very good side with great juniors coming up in the ranks."

England coach Danny Kerry was also optimistic about the outcome.

"It was a real physical tough encounter. I thought New Zealand probably had more chances than we did, but our chances were clear-cut.

"Given our team and where we we're at, I'm very pleased with the performance.

"It'll be interesting to see if we can come up against New Zealand in the tournament again."

After the opening round matches, New Zealand have a solitary point and lie in fourth place with Spain leading on goal differential following their first round victory.

Spain hammered Japan 5-2, while other first round winners South Africa beat the US 2-1.

New Zealand have just a day to prepare for their next match as they face the US tomorrow at 1pm (NZ time).

New Zealand 1 (Kayla Sharland 39)
England 1 (Leisa King 27)
Halftime: 0-1.

- NZPA