Hockey: Coach keeps calm as women's team go down to Australia

AMSTERDAM - New Zealand women's hockey coach Jan Borren was not getting too worked up about his team's 1-4 loss to Australia in their opening Champions Trophy contest in Amsterdam on Saturday.

The team were in Europe only two months ago, when they won the Olympic qualifying tournament, and Borren is not expecting them to peak again before Sydney.

Australia triumphed thanks to two penalty corner goals from Bianca Langham plus a corner and field goal from Claire Mitchell-Tavener.

New Zealand's consolation was a strike from Moira Senior.

Borren said the Champions' Trophy was a different matter from the Olympic qualifying event, which took place in England in March.

"I have only had the players for three days and before that they were competing in provincial hockey, which is not the same as taking on the best teams in the world," said Borren.

"But there are selection issues at stake and although I'm a little disappointed at our modest start, I think we will improve."

Captain Anna Lawrence said her senior players were enjoying the peace of mind that came with knowing their Olympic places were secure.

"Hockey at home is an amateur sport and we all have other lives to lead," said Lawrence, who is one of those pre-selected for Sydney.

"It is good to be able to plan ahead knowing that your place is not up for grabs. Having said that, we know we have work to do and while being picked gives us confidence, it won't breed complacency."

The Kiwis were playing Holland in their second match early today.

The Australians meanwhile made it two from two with a predictable 3-0 victory over Argentina yesterday.

First-half goals by Katrina Powell and Julie Towers along with Jenny Morris' second-half penalty stroke were all the Australian women had to show for an hour of dominance.

The South Americans frustrated the Hockeyroos by stacking their defence and rarely threatened the circle.

- NZPA