Hockey: Sisters older and wiser after exit from Black Sticks

Auckland sisters Samantha and Charlotte Harrison. Picture / Brett Phibbs

Among the distinctive memories of the New Zealand women's team at the London Olympics was the shock of blonde ponytails in the squad.

Emily Naylor, Anita Punt, Stacey Michelsen, Alana Millington, Gemma Flynn - and sisters Charlotte and Samantha Harrison. Some remain in the Black Sticks, but not the Harrisons, who are key players in Auckland's bid to win the K Cup national title this week at North Harbour.

The last time the pair played together for New Zealand was in London. They are now playing club hockey for Southern Districts, but since London there's been travel, business opportunities, overseas playing and coaching experiences.

London brought the last of Sam's 93 caps, but Charlotte played on until she was dropped after last year's World League 3 in Rotterdam.

The 25-year-old found it hard to take at the time as she felt she was playing well. Her 50 goals put her fifth on the New Zealand all-time scoring list. In a sport which racks up internationals like no other, her 183 matches have been bettered by only five players.

"I definitely didn't see it coming," Charlotte said of her axing. "I was happy with how I'd played, I was really looking forward to going to the World Cup [in The Hague this year] and the Commonwealth Games.

"So I thought I'd get into business, which I'd always wanted to. That's going pretty well."

Harrison has a beautician business, but the hockey heartbeat remains strong, and she hasn't shut the door on a recall. However, that depends on national coach Mark Hager.

"I definitely haven't said no to Rio [2016 Olympics] and I could potentially go, but if I wasn't good enough to be in the squad last year I'm probably not this year either."

As for Sam, she took time out to play in England and Belgium after London. Now she's considering study options, and is coaching and nannying.

The 23-year-old hasn't given a lot of thought to a Black Sticks return, but "I feel like I'm playing better at the moment. I felt I needed a break and have no regrets.

"I'd played for New Zealand at such a young age [17] I wanted to see a little bit more, and it was great."

One person sure the pair should be at least considered for a recall is Auckland women's coach Jude Menezes.

"Once they are in or around the circle it's a threat for any opposition. We know they can score goals, they know their roles, have a lot of flair and invaluable experience," he said of the sisters who have shared five of Auckland's 11 goals in the NHL. "They've just got to stay focused and make use of every opportunity."

Auckland trail Northland by two points at the top of the K Cup, which resumes today, and face Central in their penultimate round-robin game. Northland play Canterbury in a clutch game. In the men's Challenge Shield, leaders Midlands play joint second-placed Southern, with Auckland, who share second, meeting Capital.