Hockey: League's top scorer earns spot in tri-series squad

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Carol Ward's outstanding form for Canterbury in the national league has earned her an international recall.

Ward, the league's leading scorer with nine goals, is joined in the team for next month's home tri-series against Argentina and Japan, and the World Cup in Perth, by former internationals Karen Mee (also Canterbury) and young North Harbour defender Lizzy Igasan, who missed the Commonwealth Games and the Champions Trophy through injury.

Missing from the side who played the trophy tournament in Macau are Colleen Gubb-Suddaby, Kate Saunders and Auckland's Karen Syddall.

Rachel Sutherland, who played in Manchester but not Macau, has also missed a place in the 18-strong squad.

Manawatu striker Moira Senior, still recovering from knee and hamstring injuries, has declared her unavailability.

Argentina, who will be the top seeds at the World Cup, and Japan (seeded 14th) will provde good opposition for the Black Sticks, who will be ranked fifth in Perth.

Argentina finished second at the Champions Trophy, and Japan have just finished third at the Asian Games, where they beat China in round-robin play and Commonwealth champions India 2-0 in the bronze play-off.

Suzie Pearce (154 international caps), Sandy Bennett (144) and Helen Clarke (126) will be joined in the "100 club" by Di Weavers (97) at the World Cup.

Only Piki Hamahona (6), Lisa Bishop (8), Amanda Christie (16) and Ward (18) have played fewer than 20 internationals.

The tri-series will be played on November 15 (NZ v Japan, Rosedale Park), November 16 (NZ v Argentina, Lloyd Elsmore Park) and November 17 (Japan v Argentina (Lloyd Elsmore Park).

NZ squad: Paula Enoka (North Harbour), Sandy Bennett (Auckland), Rachel Sutherland (Wellington), Piki Hamahona (Hawkes Bay), Jaimee Provan (North Harbour), Carol Ward (Canterbury), Lizzy Igasan (Northland), Michelle Turner (Canterbury), Karen Mee (Canterbury), Suzie Pearce (Wellington), Anne Marie Irving (Canterbury), Helen Clarke (Auckland), Caryn Paewai (Hawkes Bay), Di Weavers (Canterbury), Amanda Christie (Canterbury), Niniwa Roberts-Lang (Wellington), Tara Drysdale (Manawatu), Lisa Bishop (Wellington).