Kayla Whitelock to lead Black Sticks eves in World Cup

Experienced midfielder Kayla Whitelock (nee Sharland) will captain the New Zealand women’s hockey team in the upcoming World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands. Kayla, who has made 213 international appearances, was earlier this year married to long-time boyfriend and New Zealand rugby player George Whitelock.

The 18-member squad picked by Black Sticks’ head coach Mark Hager comprises two others who have played more than 200 internationals - Krystal Forgesson (204 caps) and Emily Naylor (240 caps).

The black brigade also features four players - Gemma Flynn, Anita Punt, Katie Glynn and Stacey Michelsen - who all possess the experience of more than hundred internationals under their belt. It may be worth recalling that both Katie Glynn and Stacey Michelsen have been out of competitive action for much of the past 12 months with serious knee injuries.

The Black Sticks eves will leave for the Netherlands on May 18.
 

The squad:Kayla Whitelock (captain), Emily Naylor, Krystal Forgesson, Olivia Merry, Katie Glynn, Petrea Webster, Sally Rutherford, Sam Charlton, Michaela Curtis, Liz Thompson, Sophie Cocks, Rhiannon Dennison, Gemma Flynn, Rose Keddell, Jordan Grant, Bianca Russell, Stacey Michelsen, Anita Punt.

(The writer can be contacted at: suhridbarua@gmail.com)