Hockey: NZ last in Champions Trophy

The Black Sticks finally scored a goal after 418 minutes of play in the women's Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Amsterdam -- but still went down 1-2 to Australia in the playoff for fifth place last night.

They finished last in the tournament for the elite or top six in the world after failing to win a game under Ian Rutledge, who has said he wouldn't be seeking an extension to his coaching contract in October.

Honor Dillion took her time in slotting New Zealand's goal two minutes from the end after Australia had taken the lead with goals by captain Donna-Lee Patrick in the 49th and 60th minute.

Dillon's goal was New Zealand's first in the tournament and in six games.

After a scoreless first half, Patrick gave Australia the lead when they had only 10 players after Emily Halliday was yellow-carded. She appeared frustrated when New Zealand striker Charlotte Harrison gave her all sorts of problems.

But New Zealand failed to take advantage of the penalty corner that followed and conceded a goal three minutes later.

New Zealand pressed hard and had another penalty corner cleared before captain Di Weavers's strike was deflected away.

Patrick scored her second from a deflection across the goal by Karen Smith.

SCORES

Australia 2 (Donna-Lee Patrick 49th, 60th); New Zealand 1 (Honor Dillon 68th). Halftime: 0-0.

- NZPA