Black Sticks go down in bronze medal match

By: Andy Rowe | Other Sports News | Saturday August 11 2012 4:13

It's a disappointing end to a promising Olympic campaign for the New Zealand women's hockey team.

The Black Sticks have lost 3-1 to Great Britain in the playoff for the bronze medal.

Coach Mark Hager says his team didn't turn up.

"We didn't play. Simple as that. We were overawed, we were scared, we were apprehensive, we didn't step up, they played really well, they wanted it more, they were desperate, they were diving all over the pitch, we conceded soft corners which lead to goals."

Captain Kayla Sharland says losing is bad enough, but they didn't really fire either.

"You don't get in these situations very often and at an Olympic games to be in this position and stumble at the last hurdle is pretty frustrating and disappointing."

Sharland is going to take some time out before deciding her future, having been part of the national team for 10 years.

The scores were locked up at nil-all with 25 minutes to play.

Stacey Michelsen scored New Zealand's only goal, deflecting in a penalty corner from Clarissa Eshuis.

Photo: Getty Images

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Hockey | olympics | Black Sticks |