The Black Sticks final home match in the FIH Pro League for 2019 is on Thursday April 25th (Anzac Day). The women will take on their Australian counterparts at North Harbour Hockey Stadium in what promises to be an entertaining match.
The New Zealand Defence Force Men and Women will be playing the Australian Defence force in two curtain raisers which will begin with the women at 10:30am, followed by the men at midday on the 25th.
Vantage Black Sticks Women’s coach Sean Dancer has made one change to the team that took on Argentina in Rosario a week ago. This sees Sally Rutherford return to be one of the two goalkeepers in the match day squad.
Entering the final quarter of that game the sides were locked at 1-1 before Argentina managed to pull away. Dancer will be looking for a complete performance from his side as they look to back up their impressive win over the Australians from Sydney a few weeks ago.
Dancer has retained the youthful look of the side with rising players Katie Doar, Olivia Shannon, Deanna Ritchie and Holly Pearson continuing to stamp their mark on the international game.
Australian striker Savannah Fitzpatrick is leading the Australian side with 3 goals in the tournament. Watch out for her determination and hustle in the circle as she tries to put the New Zealand defenders under pressure.
Black Sticks Women’s Squad
|
Name |
Position |
Caps |
|
Sam Charlton |
Defender |
234 |
|
Tarryn Davey |
Midfielder |
47 |
|
Frances Davies |
Defender |
66 |
|
Shiloh Gloyn |
Midfielder |
83 |
|
Ella Gunson |
Defender |
206 |
|
Megan Hull |
Defender |
12 |
|
Rose Keddell |
Defender |
193 |
|
Olivia Merry |
Striker |
215 |
|
Stacey Michelsen © |
Midfielder |
270 |
|
Tessa Jopp |
Midfielder |
22 |
|
Grace O’Hanlon |
Goalkeeper |
48 |
|
Katie Doar |
Defender |
3 |
|
Sally Rutherford |
Goalkeeper |
178 |
|
Olivia Shannon |
Striker |
8 |
|
Deanna Ritchie |
Striker |
7 |
|
Liz Thompson |
Defender |
182 |
|
Amy Robinson |
Striker |
66 |
|
Holly Pearson |
Midfielder |
3 |
