Women face fierce foe

 THE Papua New Guinea women’s hockey team faces an uphill battle against the New Zealand President’s Xl today when the Oceania Pacific Hockey Challenge resumes competition at the National Hockey Centre in Suva, Fiji.

The Terry Kiapen-led side has recorded a loss and two wins so far and are aiming to be competitive against one of the region’s hockey heavyweights.

The New Zealanders are undefeated, with three wins from as many matches, their best performance being a 2-1 victory over the Australian Country side on Monday.

Kiapen has a set of old hands and young talent to rely on in Ruby Kisapai, Nikita Terence, Theresia Molean, Kari Raurela and Jessica Kevan.

Kiapen said her side’s aim for the tournament was to put on strong performances against the tournament’s heavyweights in Australia Country, New Zealand President’s Xl and host Fiji. 

PNG lost their first match to Australia Country 7-0 on Saturday but came back to beat Samoa 5-1 on Sunday and Vanuatu 3-2 yesterday.

Apart from the Oceania Pacific Cup, the tournament is being used as the qualifying event for the Hockey World League Series Round 1, which is contested by Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and PNG.

PNG has a good chance of playing against Fiji for the final spot in women’s division for a league spot.

Both PNG teams were involved with coaching sessions run by Australia and New Zealand Hockey representatives yesterday.

The men’s team is on a bye today.

Fixtures: 1030 M Fiji v Australia Country; 1230 M New Zealand President’s XI v Samoa; 1430 W New Zealand President’s XI v PNG; 1630 W Samoa v Vanuatu; 1830 W Fiji v Australia Country; M PNG – Bye