Indian women’s hockey team loses to Dutch club side in warm-up encounter

Indian women’s hockey team went down 0-1 to Ladies Den Bosch in a warm-up encounter.

The Indian women’s hockey team lost 0-1 against Ladies Den Bosch in a closely fought match during their ongoing tour of Europe.

Indian Women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal made several forays into the rival half but could not score.(AFP)

The ‘Ladies Den Bosch’, which consists of nine players who regularly turn up for the Dutch national squad, put the Indian team on the back foot when they won a penalty corner in the third minute.

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But goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu was up to the task to keep the Dutch women from taking an early lead. She saved yet another penalty corner in the 17th minute to end the second quarter in a stalemate.

For India, Vandana Katariya and skipper Rani made promising forays into the striking circle. The duo even came close to converting a goal on two occasions but the Den Bosch custodian made a diving effort to deny India a goal.

In the 33rd minute, a well-assisted Lieke Hulsken beat goalkeeper Savita who replaced Rajani in the second half to score a splendid field goal and take a 1-0 lead.

Their defence line kept up the tempo in the following minutes of the match and kept a close check on the Indian forwards with good man to man marking to seal the match.