Hockey: Cup blow as Black Sticks go down to Scots

By TERRY MADDAFORD

New Zealand's hopes of reaching the semifinals of the women's World Cup virtually disappeared last night when they were upset by Scotland 2-1 in Perth. Against a team who had lost to Ukraine in a major first-round surprise and to China second up, New Zealand rarely found their best form.

At times seemingly happy to "hit and hope" when a pushed or swept pass could have been more accurate on the sometimes bumpy surface, New Zealand made what should have been a simple task difficult.

Too often possession was given away with misdirected, often hurried, passes which gave the Scots the chance of a simple intercept.

New Zealand dominated the penalty count, possession and shots, but were not good enough to convert. The Scots took the lead in the 23rd minute when they were awarded a controversial penalty stroke which Louise Carroll converted.

Eleven minutes later New Zealand equalised when Di Weavers swept home from their third penalty corner.

A New Zealand defence in disarray handed Scotland the winning goal three minutes into the second half when Linda Clements scored.

In a scrappy contest, New Zealand had a handful of late half-chances, but could not grab the equaliser they needed to keep their cup hopes on track.

The New Zealanders meet the highly-favoured Koreans late tonight.