Hockey: Journey comes full circle for 'country girl'

By TERRY MADDAFORD

It's a long way from the tiny Northland settlement of Purua to the big hockey stadiums of the world.

Sandy Bennett feels equally at home at both.

Elevated to the captaincy of the New Zealand women's hockey team, the 29-year-old says she remains a country girl at heart, even if these days she has taken to apartment living, just a decent hit from Auckland's Viaduct Basin.

She admits that being given the leadership for the four-test series against India came as a surprise, but it adds to the enjoyment she is getting from the game after taking a post-Olympic break.

"I had said the Sydney Olympics were going to be it," said Bennett, whose appearance in tonight's second test at Rosedale Park, Albany, will be her 116th international.

"But after a break I decided I wanted to keep playing."

Bennett, Mandy Smith and Anna Lawrence took time out after the Olympics, but then decided separately they were ready for another campaign. They have committed to play until after next year's Commonwealth Games and World Cup.

"I'll stop playing the day I stop enjoying it," said Bennett, who admits she is not the world's most enthusiastic trainer. "I have really enjoyed the last two years. They have been real fun."

There were no jealousies, she said, when asked about Smith's high profile.

"We all accept the Mandy Smith situation. It takes a bit of heat off the rest of us.

"She is now a top-class player, so anything she can do for the game has to be good."

To lead her country for the first time in Whangarei, on a ground where she first played hockey, and help them to a 3-1 win against India on Monday, was special for Bennett.

Her hockey career began as an eight-year-old when she made the first of many 22km journeys from Purua to the Ruatangata club.

For the next 13 years she was very much part of Northland hockey.

"It was great to go back to Whangarei and have my first game as captain with my family and friends there," Bennett said. "I'll always be a Northlander. It was good to have three other Northlanders [Leisen Jobe, Suzie Pearce and Lizzy Igasan] playing."

Coach Jan Borren, who will also remain until at least the end of next year's international programme, said the matches against South Korea were the start of the rebuilding process. These matches against India were the next step.

"There is still a big difference between what we did in Sydney and where we are at now," Borren said.

"But we have a lot of ability and plenty of potential. If you compare where we were in May-June 1999 and now, I don't think we are too far behind."

Borren said he expected the Indians to pick their game up tonight after their loss in the series opener.

"They are quick and skilful," he said. "We have to be on our toes, especially in defence."

Tonight's game starts at 7.