Hockey: NZ breaks nine-game losing streak

The New Zealand women's hockey team broke a nine-match losing streak with a 3-0 international tri-series win over Ireland in Wellington today.

Kim Noakes struck from a melee to give New Zealand a 1-0 edge going into halftime against the Irish.

The was concern that New Zealand might fall away with the departure at halftime of influential defender Lizzy Igasan.

But the players stepped up their play to consistently rob the Irish of the ball and set up their own opportunities further up field in the second half.

Kate Sanders scored from a penalty corner slap in the 43rd minute and followed up with a penalty stroke conversion with five minutes to play.

Caryn Paewai was the pick of the Black Sticks in the second half, punching holes in the Irish defence and creating dangerous opportunities from right half and inside right.

The side take a brief break before leaving for China for further buildup matches against the Chinese.

New Zealand's losing run has come in a series of tests against Korea, China and Ireland since they qualified for the Olympics last September with a 1-0 win over Australia in the final of the Oceania championship.

Result: New Zealand 3 (Kim Noakes, Kate Sanders 2) Ireland 0. Halftime: 1-0.

- NZPA