Hockey: Errors hand India series win

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India won the series against New Zealand with a test to spare after victory in Wellington yesterday.

India won the first test in Palmerston North a week ago; the second test was a draw at the same venue and the third test in Napier was also drawn - but the Black Sticks lost the series because, said coach Mark Hager, they made some basic errors which cost them dearly in the Wellington test.

"Their trapping and passing let them down today," he said, although he praised the efforts of goalkeeper and captain Beth Jurgeleit. "Her efforts in the first half saw us in the lead and she defended numerous attacks throughout the game."

Piki Hamahona scored the Black Sticks Women's only goal in the 21st minute of the first half. Hamahona was quick to strike a rebound off India, cracking the ball into the top right corner.

India had many unsuccessful attempts on goal in the first half but the second saw them put away three field goals.

Indian Captain Surinder Kaur scored from a deflection in the 43rd minute. Saba Anjum scored next by flicking into the goal from close range in the 64th minute, and 15-year-old Rani Rampal sealed the series win with a breakaway goal right on full time.

The fifth and final test is today in Wellington at the National Hockey Stadium.

FULL TIME SCORE
New Zealand: 1
India: 3