Hockey: Dutch pip Kiwi women

Win and loss for hockey team in Brisbane event

BRISBANE - The New Zealand women's hockey team found that resilience was not enough to hold out a skilful Netherlands side, going down 1-2 in their Champions Trophy match last night.

The Kiwis defended resolutely for much of the match against the world's No 2-ranked side and an upset seemed on when experienced striker Mandy Smith scrambled them ahead 15 minutes into the match from a penalty corner.

However, weight of possession eventually told two minutes before halftime when Dutch captain Carole Thate converted from a clinical penalty corner move.

It was a similar pattern in the second half, with the winning goal coming from a penalty stroke by Ageeth Boomgaardt.

Despite the loss, New Zealand are still in contention to achieve their goal at this tournament following Saturday's 1-0 win over Korea.

The sixth-seeded Kiwis want to qualify for the third-fourth playoff on the final day of the six-nation tournament and positive results against third seeds Germany and fourth seeds Argentina could still see them do that.

Their two losses have come against likely finalists Australia and the Netherlands.

New Zealand used the same disciplined defensive approach to better effect against the Koreans, allowing their opponents few opportunities to score and winning through a powerful penalty corner strike in the first half by captain Anna Lawrence.

But they found it more difficult to hold out the Dutch, although the winners looked at their most deadly from set plays while New Zealand created the better chances in open play.

The Netherlands' unbeaten run against New Zealand extends to 14 matches since the teams first played in 1953, when the Kiwis had their only win.

Earlier yesterday, Australia continued their seemingly unstoppable march to a sixth consecutive Champions Trophy title by beating Argentina 4-2.

In men's competition, Korea moved to the top of the table after drawing 2-2 with Pakistan, although Australia also maintained their unbeaten record by beating Spain 2-0.