Statement win for College

Defending club hockey champions and Challenge Cup holders College sent a stern message to their challengers with a clinical 5-0 win over second-placed Marist at the twin turfs on Saturday.

College imposed their gameplan from the start, commanding territory and possession.

Marist hardly threatened College’s defensive circle in the first half.

College were slick controlling the midfield and were up 2-0 by the second break.

Matt Young inspired with a hat trick and Ben Molloy was a slippery foil in front of Marist’s goal scoring a double.

Fourth-placed High School Hockey Club won 4-1 over Palmerston North Boys’ High School.

Teams jostled each other for possession with attacking forays developing quickly only to break down off the final pass.

HSHC led 1-0 at the break off a shot from Jamie Besley.

Boys’ High’s combinations grew as the game progressed with deft overheads passes finding their strikers, putting HSHC quickly on the defensive.

A bursting run out left and lay off by Michaela Curtis led to HSHC second score when Zac Yearburg back-shot into the net.

The best goal of the match came when Opeti Tuimana tennis volleyed the ball into the goal. Blair Hodgson deflected in for HSHC.

The over-head strategy paid off in the fourth quarter with a goal from Matt Peel.

In Whanganui, Massey won 2-0 over host, Tech College Old Boys.

Goals either side of half time put the result beyond reach of Tech as Massey started to dominate possession.

Andrew Thomas was outstanding in goal for Tech his saves instrumental in keeping the game close.

College continued their run of form for back-to-back club titles with a clinical 6-0 win over rival Massey in the opening round of the women’s championship.

Massey’s defence was resilient with first goal coming early in the first quarter for College.

College kept up their game plan switching play swiftly round the field launching attacks down either sides.

They scored a goal either side of half time forcing Massey to play catch up hockey.

College’s defence closed down any attacks Massey initiated in the midfield.

Monica Lombard was outstanding for her workrate along with Megan Phillips in College midfield.

Wanganui won 2-1in a close tussle over College B.

The game was robust and evenly contested with Nicola Skedgwell putting Wanganui in the lead in the opening quarter.

College equalised off a penalty corner by Bryonie Phillips just before the break.

Wanganui broke the deadlock when Jess Watkins tapped in at the far post.

College launched straight back on attack, but Wanganui closed out the game with some stout defence.

High School Hockey Club won 6-0 over a gritty Palmerston North Girls’ High School.

HSHC were up 2-0 by end of the first quarter and snatched a cheeky goal at the start of the second spell.

HSHC did not have it all their own way. Girls’ High played well and never gave up.

Anna Willocks scored a hattrick and Ella Poole-crowe grabbed a double.

Next weekend club hockey takes a break with the Indian Sports Tournament being played over Queen’s Birthday weekend.