Hockey: 'Camp' encouraging says coach

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Ian Rutledge is convinced he has an attacking force capable of spearheading the New Zealand women's team's Olympic bid.

He must, however, have some defensive concerns.

The team finished the three-nation tournament in Gifu, Japan, in last place with a one-win, three-loss record. But the coach, while disappointed with the results, was taking some positives from the Black Sticks' performance.

"The conditions were tough, but I felt we played well enough to win all three games we lost," said Rutledge from Japan after his team had gone down to the hosts 2-1 in their last game. "We scored eight goals in four games. I'll take that.

"There has to be more concern about our defence, though. Of the 11 goals scored against us, nine came from penalty corners. That is something we will have to address but even that is not a major concern, given the number of new players we had here.

"This tournament had nothing on it. The nine days here have been like a training camp. There has been little significance in the results but in giving all the players game time, we have seen a lot."

Rutledge said the selectors would have a tough time coming up with the team for the Olympic qualifying tournament in March.

They would watch the national league before naming a 24-strong squad to prepare for the two tests against Argentina in November after a week-long training camp.

The team were scoring goals from open play.

"We now need to develop our own luck and get the results we deserve."

In a major change, New Zealand's most experienced international, Suzie Pearce, was switched from inside forward to centre-forward. With Kayla Sharland and Niniwa Roberts-Lang providing the pace on the wings, Rutledge said he had a strong attacking option.

"I'm really impressed with what I've seen."

He was angry at the way the Koreans behaved when a penalty stroke was awarded against them in Friday night's game when New Zealand were trailing 2-1.

"They argued with the umpires for three minutes which was not fair on Lizzy [Igasan] who was waiting to take the stroke.

"If we had scored that, who knows what might have happened."

Rutledge returns with the team tomorrow morning before heading to Christchurch to watch the men's Oceania Cup and taking a well-deserved week off.

Then it will be back to business as the team build towards the Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland.