Hockey: Late goal snatches victory from Kiwis

Anna Thorpe of the Black Sticks. Photo / Getty Images

A brace of goals from Anna Thorpe propelled the New Zealand women's hockey development team to a meritable 2-2 draw in a third match against the Japanese national team in Kakamigahara, Japan, today.

Thorpe's strikes put the New Zealanders 2-1 ahead with four minutes remaining at the Gifu Green Stadium but a late equaliser from the hosts saw them keep their unbeaten series record in tact. Japan won the first two of five matches 4-2.

New Zealand had four scoring opportunities in the opening 15min but it was Japan who took the lead, scoring just before halftime.

Thorpe equalised from a penalty corner early in the second stanza and nudged in a second goal from general play with 8min left on the clock, but New Zealand could not repel the late Japanese charge.

Still, New Zealand coach Chris Leslie was left with a smile on his face.

"We really stepped up today and it was a good performance from all individuals, we distributed the ball much better, had more patience and made better decisions," he said.

"Throughout the game, we had seven penalty corners to Japan's three so we were not short of opportunities to score."

Goalkeeper Amelia Gibson had some instrumental saves in both halves, putting her body on the line and successfully defending several shots at goal.

The fourth match is at the same venue tomorrow.

- NZPA