KEY POINTS:
Australia levelled the four-match women's hockey series against New Zealand, winning the second test in Oamaru last night.
New Zealand won the first test 1-0 on Sunday.
Madonna Blyth scored the first two goals in the 16th and 25th minutes to give Australia a 2-0 halftime lead.
Megan Rivers added the third goal three minutes into the second half.
Defender Nicole Arrold was named player of the match for her strong defence.
Australia played a level above their first-test performance and besides the two field goals from Blyth they forced two penalty corners in the first half.
New Zealand stopped both with a sound defence.
Hockey New Zealand high performance manager David Appleby said the Australians lifted their intensity from the first test and maintained pressure on the New Zealand defence throughout the game.
The Black Sticks barely threatened the well-organised Australian defences.
Halfback Kim Noakes, in just her second game for the Black Sticks, and first-test captain Meredith Orr had solid games. Orr worked hard at centre half.
Lizzy Igasan captained New Zealand.
Coach Kevin Towns will use different captains in the next two matches in Christchurch at the weekend to try to develop more leaders in his side.
The third test is on Saturday and the fourth on Sunday.
- NZPA
