Hockey: From zero goals to hat-trick hero

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Wellington striker Niniwa Roberts-Lang scored her first three goals at the World Cup in Perth yesterday, sinking a hat-trick as the Black Sticks beat Ukraine 3-0.

While a top six finish is almost certainly out of reach, the victory - New Zealand's second in six outings - should ensure their place in the 9th-12th play-offs.

"Finishing ninth, if that is the best we can hope for, has to be the target now," said assistant coach Selwyn Maister after yesterday's win. "We came to Perth with high expectations but we haven't played as well as we wanted."

Although New Zealand turned in perhaps their best game of the tournament, Maister said there was still some room for improvement when they tackle China in the last game of round-robin play at 1.05am (NZ time) tomorrow.

"There was a bit more urgency against Ukraine. We had looked at some of their earlier games and knew we could dominate the midfield, which we did."

With that extra space, Lisa Bishop, Caryn Paewai, Di Weavers and Suzie Pearce turned in solid games which gave front-runners Roberts-Lang, Jaimee Provan and Piki Hamahona more ball than they have often had during the tournament.

New Zealand forced just three penalty corners to Ukraine's eight, and Roberts-Lang converted all three. Ukraine did no better with theirs than creating a couple of half chances.

In goal, New Zealand captain Helen Clarke had another sound game, producing a couple of vital clearances during the 17-minute period when New Zealand clung to their 1-0 lead.

Clarke's opposite, Viktoriya Kotlyarenko, was nowhere near as impressive, showing a reluctance to throw herself to the ground in an attempt to block shots, especially when Roberts-Lang thumped home from penalty corners.

"We rested Carol Ward from this game as we saw Niniwa's power as a likely weapon," said Maister. "That, at least, worked."

China's 3-1 win over Germany in yesterday's second pool A game has given New Zealand a slim hope of reaching the top four and, with it, the opportunity to play-off in the 5th-8th group. New Zealand would have to beat China tomorrow and hope that Ukraine can upset Germany.