India junior women thrash NZ in 3-Nations tourney

Canberra : The Indian junior women's hockey team continued their fine form at the ongoing 3-Nations Tournament as they defeated New Zealand 4-1 on Saturday.

India came from a goal down to defeat their opponents after New Zealand's Olivia Shannon (4') had scored for her side.

It was Sharmila Devi (12', 43'), Beauty Dungdung (27') and Lalrindiki (48') who scored the goals for India in their impressive victory.

In a shaky start to the match, India conceded a penalty corner in the fourth minute, and New Zealand made the most of it as they scored through Olivia Shannon to make it 1-0 in their favour.

However, India tried to fightback inside the first quarter and were successful in finding the equaliser when Sharmila finished off a crisp team-move to make it 1-1 in the 12th minute.

Both teams had several chances in the second quarter as well, but neither could convert until India finally managed to convert their penalty corner in the 27th minute.

It was India's forward Beauty who produced a sublime finish to give her team a much-deserved lead.

New Zealand did have a penalty corner at the stroke of the half-time break, but India's Bichu Devi Kharibam made a decent save to ensure India retained their 2-1 lead.

The Indian team will play Australia in their fourth and final match of the tournament on Sunday.