Hockey: Black Sticks beat Germany to finish third

New Zealand finished third at the women's Olympic hockey qualifying tournament in Auckland today, beating Germany 3-2.

The Black Sticks slammed in the winning goal with about 30 seconds left.

It was the third time New Zealand had trailed by two goals and the third time they escaped with either a win or a draw.

Captain Suzie Muirhead had a strong game, scoring her side's first goal and showing top leadership.

The Black Sticks tallied eight penalty corners to Germany's four and had 13 shots from the field. Germany had eight.

Germany got its opening goal in the sixth minute when a shot from Heike Latzsch was deflected in and its second just over a minute into the second spell, Nadine Ernsting-Krienke scoring.

New Zealand then attacked, Muirhead eventually putting a penalty shot past German keeper Louisa Walter.

Striker Jamie Provan scored the equaliser ten minutes into the half after a rebound from a Niniwa Roberts-Lang hit into the circle.

Both sides tried hard to score the clincher but it was the home side which got it with the clocking ticking time off.

Roberts-Lang deflected a powerful Weavers cross into the goal.

Coach Ian Rutledge said the victory was the best possible finish.

"It was extremely important for us to finish this way for our confidence," he said.

"Full credit to them all and Muirhead, who was the heart and soul of the team when we were flat.

"In the first half she sparked us up. She had a fantastic tournament."

- NZPA