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JAPAN WRAP UP SERIES AS BLACK STICKS LOOK TO GAMES(New Zealand Press Association Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Wellington, Feb 19 NZPA - An improved performance from the New Zealand women's hockey team wasn't enough to prevent Japan winning the third test 1-0 in Christchurch today to wrap up their five-match series. The Black Sticks conceded a soft goal to Tomomi Komori with nine minutes remaining but could at least be happy there was no repeat of the 1-4 loss yesterday. New Zealand lost the first match 2-3. After playing with more urgency, the New Zealanders paid for one error as the ball bobbled past goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit from the left, allowing Komori an easy tap home. The Black Sticks' best chance of scoring came in the closing moments of the first half when striker Krystal Forgesson came agonisingly close to outing her side ahead after smart buildup work from Honor Dillon. New Zealand coach Ian Rutledge said his side still had to make significant strides as they build towards next month's Commonwealth Games. ``It was a definite improvement but we probably lost a bit of quality and sharpness in the second half,'' he said. Rutledge said he wasn't surprised at the quality of the Japanese, who are ranked eighth in the world, two places behind New Zealand. ``In the world, two places is nothing. It's a very even contest and we expected nothing but a tough contest against them. ``We deliberately chose them because we knew they'd expose weaknesses in our performance.'' New Zealand are without last year's first choice midfield for this series. Meredith Orr is out for six months after injuring her knee recently while Suzie Muirhead (foot) and Kayla Sharland (hamstring) are sidelined for this series. ``That gives an opportunity for others to push and develop experience at this level,'' Rutledge said. He expected a long night of discussion with selectors Chris Leslie, Sue McLeish and Suzette Eastmond tonight before announcing the Games squad of 16 tomorrow afternoon. They must put a line through three of the current 19-strong training squad. ``There's a real even-ness among the players which will make it hard to ensure we have the right team,'' Rutledge said. The remaining tests against Japan will be played on Tuesday in Ashburton and Thursday in Christchurch. NZPA WGT dg jaf |