Hockey: Women leave it late against India

The Black Sticks women's team have come from behind to beat India 3-1 in Napier today.

India struck first after a scoreless first half, but three late goals gave the Black Sticks victory in the second game of the series.

The Black Sticks, captained by Katie Glynn, got on the scoreboard through a field goal to Canterbury's Sian Fremaux after a goal circle scramble. Wellington's Anita Punt gave the home side the lead with a penalty corner flick and Charlotte Harrison made sure of the victory with a deflection.

Head coach Mark Hager said the Indians were by far the better team in the first half.

"But it was pleasing to see us come back in that second spell and in the last 15 minutes we created a lot of opportunities," he said.

"Now that India have settled into their work we'll have to ensure we don't turn the ball over as much as we did today."

Wellington defender Aniwaka Roberts was the standout player for the Black Sticks.

Seven players made their debut in yesterday's first test, a 7-2 victory for New Zealand, and there was an eighth today with 19-year-old Michaela Curtis (Central) wearing the black strip for the first time.

The Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow before the third and fourth tests in the six-test series in Palmerston North on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The final two games will be at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown, Wellington, on December 14 and 15.