Hockey: Black Sticks women go down to Japan

The Black Sticks Women could not continue their winning momentum today, going down 1-0 to Japan in a tough game in Auckland. Photo: John Cowpland.

The Black Sticks Women could not continue their winning momentum today, going down 1-0 to Japan in a tough game in Auckland.

The Black Sticks made one change from yesterday's game with Rosie Keddell coming in for Kirsten Pearce.

The Kiwis made a strong start with the first chance coming from an early penalty corner variation which Petrea Webster flicked just over the crossbar.

The rest of the first half was an even contest, with goalkeeper Amelia Gibson continuing her good form, keeping the Japanese at bay to see both sides head to the halftime break locked at 0-0.

The breakthrough came for Japan early in the third quarter when a searching long ball from the back found Mie Nakashima who pushed a square ball in to Akiko Kato to give the Japanese the lead.

The Black Sticks had their chances to level in the fourth quarter, none more so than a sequence of three penalty corners which all brought out fantastic saves from Japanese goalkeeper Miyuki Nakagawa.

Late pressure from the Black Sticks proved to no avail, with the Japanese holding on for the victory and a real confidence boost heading into the Hawke's Bay Cup in Hastings.

Coach Mark Hager was understandably disappointed in the result but complimented Japan on their play.

"Full credit to Japan they were the better team and wanted it more. Some of our basic skills let us down today," he said.

"We are looking forward to going to Gisborne. Argentina will present a new challenge."

Today's New Zealand A vs Korea game was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.