Women's tests pencilled for May

There's a strong chance two New Zealand women's test matches will be held in Palmerston North in May.

Hockey New Zealand is understood to have pencilled in two tests against India for Fitzherbert Park on May 15-16.

And not before time. They would be the first women's tests in the city for seven years.

The Black Sticks men played two tests against Malaysia in Palmerston North last year.

Hockey Manawatu executive officer Warren Banks said it was highly probable the games would go ahead, but he's waiting for confirmation from the national body.

Hockey NZ was impressed with the way last year's tests were organised, and with the attendances.

Manawatu last hosted a women's international way back in 2003 when New Zealand beat Canada 1-0. Veteran international Kayla Sharland made her debut that day as a 17-year-old Palmerston North Girls' High School seventh former.

The game was played in front of 700 spectators in freezing temperatures and the Black Sticks wore sleeveless uniforms.

Manawatu has provided more players to the women's Black Sticks in the last 15 years than most other provincial centres. Yet the previous test held at Palmerston North was back in 1978, when New Zealand beat Canada 4-0.

Black Sticks world-class defender-midfielder Emily Naylor has spent six years in the team and has never played for the Black Sticks in her home town.

In recent years the turf problems counted against Palmerston North and games were staged in small outposts like Oamaru and Levin, where the United States played in 2005. Nelson was given three tests against the under-strength Indians last year.

The presence of Naylor (123 internationals) and Sharland (106) would be almost essential to help promote the games. But they might still be playing under contract with their club in The Hague, in the Netherlands, at that time.

It all hinges on whether their HGC team can avoid the relegation playoffs.

The pair have started the second part of the Dutch season after their midwinter layoff in Palmerston North. Before she left for Europe, Naylor had trouble with a disc in her back and Sharland had a hamstring strain.

- © Fairfax NZ News