Two new caps have been named in the Black Sticks team to meet the Australian Women in a four match series in the Southern region from 13 until 20 May. The newcomers in the New Zealand squad are Northland defender Alana Millington (18) and North Harbour halfback Kimberley Green (20).The series also marks the return of highly experienced players Lizzy Igasan and Jaimee Claxton (nee Provan), both from North Harbour; and Hawkes Bay based Caryn Paewai.
A captain has not been named. Instead Towns will name a leadership group during the build up camp prior to series.
Kayla Sharland, who is rehabilitating a knee injury, will not take part in the series but will be significantly involved in all off field preparation and will have a role to play on the side-line.
May’s Australian Series will provide Kevin Towns, the new Black Sticks Women’s Coach, with his first chance to see how his new side performs against one of the best teams in the world.
During the test series players will be under the scrutiny of selectors as they continue building the squad for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“It will be a great opportunity to have a good look at how the girls perform under pressure and to test some of the work we have done in training,” he says.
The Black Sticks training to date has been focused on speed and accuracy, strength across all layers and creating and converting goal scoring opportunities.
“We are aiming to develop one of the best penalty conversion rates in international hockey.”
The Australians are currently ranked third in the World while the Black Sticks are ranked eighth. The Hockeyroos squad is currently playing for their various state sides in the Australian Hockey League. It is anticipated that the Hockeyroos team to meet the Black Sticks will then be announced following the conclusion of the league on April 8th.
As well as providing a vital opportunity for further scrutiny by national selectors as the Black Sticks continue their build up for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this series will also offer valuable preparation in the lead up to the major international Champions Challenge Tournament in Azerbaijan in June this year.
The Black Sticks go into camp in Ashburton on May 3 to prepare for the series.
Sunday 13 May 1st Test,
Tuesday 15 May 2nd Test, Oamaru, 18:30
Saturday 19 May 3rd Test,
Sunday 20 May 4th Test
Black Sticks team to meet
Canterbury: Stacey Carr, Honor Dillon, Jo Galletly, Meredith Orr, Kate Saunders.
Central: Tara Drysdale, Emily Naylor, Caryn Paewai, Kayla Sharland, Anita Wawatai.
Northland: Laura Douglas, Charlotte Harrison, Alana Millington.
North
Midlands: Kate Mahon.
Wellington: Beth Jurgeleit.
Source: Hockey New
