Hockey: Women back on track with goal bonanza

MILTON KEYNES - The New Zealand women's hockey team's goalscoring blitz against Russia yesterday came as a huge relief after a drought in the first two games of the Olympic women's hockey qualifying tournament.

New Zealand's 8-0 win over Russia was a timely injection of confidence before they play Britain In Milton Keynes today in a match in which a win would earn them a berth in the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

Captain Anna Lawrence sported a huge lump on her head after suffering a nasty knock in the win over Russia, but she was more relieved at the result than worried about her injury.

"This won't keep me out of the next game. It was just great to get the goals flowing again," Lawrence said.

A loss to Britain would still leave the New Zealanders in the hunt for an Olympic berth, although their mission would be tougher.

Lawrence said the New Zealand players enjoyed the freedom of open spaces against Russia after two games of swarming and physical defence against Japan and China, when the Kiwis failed to score.

They lost 0-4 to Japan and drew 0-0 with China.

"It felt good out there against Russia. We finally got our momentum going again and we must be due for some goals from penalty corners."

- NZPA