The key focus for the Black Sticks Women as they head into the BDO World Cup will be to tighten up their game and build consistency.

 

In naming the BDO World Cup team, Black Sticks Women’s Coach, Mark Hager, said the players had learnt from the recent Samsung Champions Trophy and knew that in order to improve on the international stage they needed to bring consistency into their game.

 

“The reality is we’re still a young team, that’s developing. However, if we want to compete successfully at the international level we need to be in the game for all 70 minutes.

 

“Our experience at Champions Trophy showed up our weaknesses, but it also showed our strengths. Playing day, after day, at that level tests the true mettle of the athlete – and while we showed we can compete amongst the best, we also let ourselves down at times.

 

“The more exposure we get like this, the better we will be as we progress towards our long term goal of building this team up.”

 

Hager named a similar looking team to that which competed in the Samsung Champions Trophy earlier this month.

 

Captained by Kayla Sharland, the team for the BDO World Cup includes the experienced heads of Emily Naylor, Krystal Forgesson, Stacey Carr and Beth Jurgeleit.

 

They will play alongside other players who have shown their hunger and determination over the various international test series against Argentina and India this year, along with recently playing in the Four Nations and Samsung Champions Trophy in Nottingham.

 

Such as Natasha Fitzsimons, who made her international debut for the Black Sticks Women in February this year against Australia, and now has 20 caps under her belt.

 

Noticeable exceptions to the team include the absence of Kate Mahon and Laura Douglas who played in the Samsung Champions Trophy earlier this month.

 

Hager said the final decision was based on selecting players who would provide the flexibility he needs through the defensive and attacking lines. Both players are on the standby list in case one of the named players is unable to travel. Anna Thorpe needs to be cleared of her quadricep injury, but has been named on the basis she will be fit enough to travel.

 

Team New Zealand: Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor, Krystal Forgesson, Katie Glynn, Piki Hamahona, Stacey Carr, Ella Gunson, Beth Jurgeleit, Clarissa Eshuis, Lucy Talbot, Sam Harrison, Gemma Flynn, Anna Thorpe, Natasha Fitzsimons, Charlotte Harrison, Bianca Russell, Stacey Michelsen, Anita Punt.

 

Source: Hockey New Zealand