Hockey: Women lose their way against Holland

AMSTERDAM - The New Zealand women's hockey team were blown off course by a rampant Holland side yesterday, going down 0-3 in their second Champions' Trophy match.

The match had been called off early in the day because police warned of a force-10 gale, but it was hastily reorganised for a late-evening start when the weather calmed.

Officials deliberated for around six hours before deciding on a new schedule that included the New Zealand game.

"The difficulties with scheduling could have meant playing four games in a row," New Zealand coach Jan Borren said.

That, at least, has now been avoided.

There was no claim from Borren that the game should have been played at its original time.

"It was blowing hard and safety was an issue," he said.

Holland were the World Cup silver medallists in 1998 and are expected to be major contenders for the Olympic title in September.

And they started strongly, pinning New Zealand in their 20m area and causing the Kiwi defence major problems.

Mandy Smith was busy on the New Zealand right wing, carving out a half-chance after 16 minutes, but it was Kiwi goalkeeper Helen Clarke who came to the rescue when Holland broke, saving bravely from Mijntje Donners.

Then Susan van der Wielen hit the post before Skippy McGregor rattled the Dutch crossbar from New Zealand's first penalty corner.

Holland's first corner, however, brought their opening goal, Ageeth Boomgaardt flicking past Clarke after 21 minutes.

New Zealand twice tested the woodwork at the end of the half with a Smith deflection and a flick from Diana Weavers.

Those chances proved the turning point, for almost immediately Holland scored their second when Fatima Moreira de Melo turned in a 31st-minute free-hit from Dilliane van den Boogaard.

After the break Holland remained in control, adding a third goal from van der Wielen.

Had it not been for the right post and excellent goalkeeping from Clarke, the margin might have been greater.

This was New Zealand's second defeat in the six-team tournament, though they have now played the best sides in the world.

Their first match resulted in a 1-4 loss to Olympic, world and Commonwealth champions Australia.

Their third match was early this morning against South Africa, who have also lost twice.

- NZPA