KEY POINTS:
New Zealand were outclassed 6-2 by China in their women's hockey test at the National Stadium in Wellington today.
The world No 5 Chinese thoroughly deserved their win, leading 4-1 at halftime and looking more potent up front than the Black Sticks side ranked two places below them.
China scored three field goals and converted two penatly corners and one stroke.
New Zealand's goals were both well-taken field goals, converted by Meredith Orr and Krystal Forgesson.
The Black Sticks played with a good structure but looked lacklustre and were guilty of unforced errors, particularly in the first half.
In the second spell they had more circle pentrations than China and a similar number of shots on goal but the difference between the two sides was accuracy.
Goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit had an impressive game for New Zealand, coming off her line several times to make fine intercept saves.
The teams were to meet again tomorrow.
New Zealand are locked in a three-way series with China and Ireland in Wellington over the next week.
Result: China 6 New Zealand 2 (Meredith Orr, Krystal Forgesson). Halftime: 4-1.
- NZPA
