Hockey: Corners nail win

Argentina took an unbeatable 2-0 lead in their three-match women's hockey series against New Zealand when they won the second test 4-1 at Whangarei yesterday.

Argentina's win was built around slick penalty corner execution as they converted three of seven awarded.

New Zealand's strikers struggled to find the space as the world No 2 ranked side tightened their defence.

The first Argentine corner conversion came in the 12th minute after Noel Barrionuevo nailed a direct strike after an initial dummy. Their only field goal of the match was scored by the world's best player, Luciana Aymar, in the 47th minute.

In the second half, Barrionuevo converted another corner through a strong drag flick and Rosario Luchetti finished the second phase of a corner in the 49th minute.

The Black Sticks were rewarded with 14 minutes to go, when Gemma Flynn tapped home a rebound from a direct penalty corner strike.

The third test is in Pukekohe today. New Zealand then play two tests against China on Tuesday and Wednesday.