NZ ladies lose but still make final

South Africa 1 v 0 Spain 2009-10-17 13:00
No Venue | BDO Champions Challenge Finals (National Ladies) | Match Report(s)

New Zealand 0 v 1 Japan 2009-10-17 15:00
No Venue | BDO Champions Challenge Finals (National Ladies) | Match Report(s)

The Black Sticks Women are through to the final of the Champions Challenge in Capetown and will meet South Africa today at 3pm (3am NZ time).

The winner of the tournament gains promotion to the Champions Trophy, contested by the top six teams in the world.

New Zealand progress to the final despite a 1 - 0 loss to Japan overnight. The Japanese scored through a Kana Nagayama field goal with just two minutes on the clock, but would have needed to win by three goals to prevent New Zealand's progress to the final.

For the large part of the match, New Zealand had the more controlled game and a more cohesive performance, but the Japanese defence stood strong.

Emily Naylor continued her strong tournament and Bianca Russell performed well in goa making some excellent savesl. New Zealand was awarded three penalty corners in the second half, but could not convert. Clarissa Eshuis had to leave the field in first half to receive stitches to her head. She was able to return to the game in the second half. Kayla Sharland also suffered a hamstring injury late in the game and was to be reviewed today.

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