India relied on skill and aggression to record a narrow 3-2 win over New Zealand on the opening day of the four-nation Lal Bahadur Shastri under-21 women's hockey tournament at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Tuesday.
India's spirited effort resulted in goals from Anupa Barla (8th minute), Anju Dhiman (13th) and Poonam Rani (68th). New Zealand gave a tough fight with Sian Freemaux (12th) and Tara Hall (43rd) finding the target.
It was an interesting battle between the naturally talented Indians and the physically stronger New Zealanders. The Black Sticks executed their drills well but could not control the pace of the agile home side. Missing a few sitters added to their woes.
Lively forward line
India, fielding a team with the upper age limit of 18 years, caught everyone's attention because of its enthusiastic forward line which made several raids on the rival post. Neha Goyal, Anupa, Poonam and Navjot Kaur kept the New Zealand defenders busy and put the host ahead in the initial minutes.
Anupa drew first blood after getting a fine cross from Navjot. India's sloppy defence cost it the lead as an unmarked Sian slotted in the equaliser. Defence was one of the major concerns for the home team as the Black Sticks launched a number of attacks from the right.
Anju's beautiful deflection off a penalty corner helped India take a 2-1 lead at half-time. New Zealand could not capitalise on its three short corners before the break.
Seesaw affair
The second half was a seesaw affair with the Black Sticks drawing parity again through Tara's penalty corner conversion.
With the countdown entering the final 15 minutes, India showed urgency in crafting two fine moves. However, the home team was unable to achieve its winning goal until Poonam made the most of an opportune moment and scored off a penalty corner in the dying minutes.
For her hard work, striker Anupa was declared the player of the match. Right-half Nikki Pradhan also received applause for her role as a solid link.
“This is a young team. We are preparing the side for the 2013 (under-21) World Cup,” said India's chief coach B.K. Subramani.
In another match, Germany tamed Australia 3-1. Rebecca Grote (3rd), Marilena Kraub (46th) and Lisa-Marie Keim (70th) scored the goals for the winning side. Hayley Padget (41st) reduced the margin for Australia.
