Hockey: Coach Rutledge hails slick NZ 5-0 win

New Zealand's women's hockey team justified coach Ian Rutledge's glowing pre-match endorsement with a 5-0 win in the first test against the United States here today.

Rutledge gave his players a big rap in the leadup to the five-match series, saying they were the fittest, fastest and most skilful he had seen them.

The Black Sticks were a step above the Americans, dominating all facets of the game as they led 3-0 at halftime.

"The players showed the results of the hard work during the summer and leading up the series," Rutledge said.

"It's a great benchmark to build on for the next few matches and I am sure the Americans will come back harder."

New Zealand had 27 shots on goal compared to the Americans who had just four.

The Black Sticks also had nearly 60 percent of possession, 73 percent of it in their attacking half.

The scoring opened in the ninth minute, when the hosts finished off their third corner when Meredith Orr deflected home a Lizzie Igasan direct strike.

Thirteen minutes later, Tara Drysdale's skilful weave into the circle earned their fourth corner which Niniwa Roberts-Lang converted with a direct strike low into the right hand corner, taking the score to 2-0.

Two inexperienced players then combined for New Zealand's final goal of the first half.

New cap Lizzie Ryan of Auckland hit strongly at the goal, keeper Amy Tran made the save, but the ball rebounded only as far as the waiting Honor Dillon who pushed home strongly in just her fifth match.

Just minutes into the second half Lizzie Igasan drove a superb ball into the circle for Jaimee Provan to deflect high into the net, taking the score to 4-0.

Dillon added her second with a minute to go, with a skilful reverse stick shot which followed a full blooded Roberts-Lang strike from the far right.

Dillon and Ryan played with the confidence of seasoned campaigners and Jo Galletly, in her 15th match, also had an impressive game at left half.

Igasan showed her international class at fullback and was a dangerous addition into the attack, while captain Suzie Muirhead controlled the midfield with ease, frequently dispossessing the Americans.

Rutledge also used the match to trial young right half Emily Naylor at fullback, to broaden the team's options, with experienced fullback Di Weavers out with a hip injury.

The second test is in Napier at 7pm on Monday.

Scores:-

New Zealand 5 (Honor Dillon 2, Meredith Orr, Niniwa Roberts-Lang, Jaimee Provan)

United States 0.

Halftime: 3-0.

- NZPA