P R E S S R E L E A S E

12 May 2003

 

RUTLEDGE RETAINS BLACK STICKS TEAM FROM CANADIAN

SERIES TO MEET AUSTRALIA

 

Telecom Black Sticks Coach Ian Rutledge today named his team to meet Australia in the Oceania Cup later this month, making no changes to the side that just completed a four test series against Canada.

 

The Black Sticks wrapped up a four test series against Canada yesterday, winning the series with two wins and two draws.

Result were:

Test 1                     NZ 1                 Canada 0

Test 2                     NZ 2                 Canada 2

Test 3              NZ 2                 Canada 0

Test 4                     NZ 1                 Canada 1

 

The Oceania Cup comprises a three test series. The first test will be played in Melbourne on Sunday, May 25. The second will be played at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium, Auckland at 7pm on Thursday 29 May and the final test at the Rosvall ITM Hockey Stadium, Whangarei on Saturday 31 May at 3.15pm.

 

The winner of the series automatically qualifies for next year’s Athens Olympics.

 

Telecom Black Sticks Team to meet Australia: Helen Clarke, Meredith Orr, Jan Rowsell, Karen Syddall (Auckland), Amanda Christie, Nikki Grimwood, Diana Weavers (Canterbury), Piki Hamahona, Caryn Paewai (Hawkes Bay), Tara Drysdale, Kayla Sharland, Anita Wawatai (Manawatu),Lizzy Igasan (Northland), Paula Enoka, Jaimee Provan (North Harbour), Suzie Pearce, Niniwa Roberts-Lang, Rachel Sutherland (Wellington)

 

Ends

 

For Further Information contact:

Ian Rutledge                                                     Ramesh Patel

Black Sticks Coach                                            Chief Executive

027 228 4273     (mobile)                                    0274 828 184 (mobile)

                                                                   09 629 2932 (work)