College take top spot in last four

The women’s club hockey competition stepped up a level in the quarterfinals at the twin turfs on Saturday.

College won 3-1 over High School Hockey Club to take top spot and will play Girls’ High in one semifinal next weekend.

HSHC had an extra life as the top losing quarter finalist and will play Massey in the other semifinal.

Massey confirmed their spot with a 8-0 win over College Development.

College overturned recent games against rival High School Hockey Club.

Played at a lively tempo, there was plenty of tension. HSHC scored the opening goal and College quickly replied to lock the game up again at quarter time.

College gained the upper hand, scoring off a penalty corner just after the restart. College maintained momentum, earning a couple of penalty corners that HSHC saved. HSHC owned most of the third quarter.

College got the buffer and closed out the game under some heat from HSHC, who forced a series of penalty corners.

The HSHC midfield trio of Wendy Ridd, Clodagh Mcculloch and Danielle Hansen worked tirelessly.

Palmerston North Girls’ High School qualified for the semifinals winning 2 -1 over Wanganui.

Girls’ High swung the ball around the field creating chances, without being able to break down Wanganui’s tight defence.

Wanganui’s best chance to break the deadlock came in the second quarter when a shot crossed the goal face untouched.

The stalemate was finally broken minutes before three quarter time when Jess Watkins scored for Wanganui off a rebound. Girls’ High replied, equalising after Sally Willocks latched onto a pass to score.

Energised, Girls’ High returned and Cydney O’hara scored off the post. Action continued with Girls’ High back again earning a penalty corner that Wanganui saved.

A hailstorm forced players from the field. When the game restarted, Girls’ High closed out the game.

Kate Blincoe was outstanding at centre for Girls’ High, into everything, directing play, tackling and passing. Gabrielle Baan excelled with her work rate and linking. Rebecca Baker and keeper Jo Bell stood out for Wanganui.

In the men’s competition, defending champions College won the Keith Collinson Trophy after finishing the regular season in top spot.

College went through undefeated with 15 wins and have locked away the Challenge Cup after they repelled Marist’s sturdy challenge 4-0.

In other games, High School Hockey Club grabbed the fourth semifinal spot with a 5-1 win over Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Massey won 4-0 over Tech College Old Boys in Wanganui.

College will play HSHC in one semifinal and Massey play Marist in the other.

Marist kept College honest in the last Challenge Cup match.

College took the lead before halftime with Matt Young on target.

Any chance of a comeback by Marist evaporated early in the third quarter when a touch of brilliance saw Ben Molloy score. College’s composure on the ball ground down Marist with Young grabbing a double and Warren Phillips adding one off the last play, a penalty corner. Outstanding for College were New Zealand under-18 player Jordan Cohen and goalkeeper Sam Crooks.

HSHC dominated their match against Boys’ High.

But Boys’ High showed the benefits of having played in the recent Super 8 series, displaying good team work interplay and hard defence.

They had a chance to steal the lead before HSHC broke the deadlock off a tap in. The pressure released and play seesawed as HSHC’S lead was tenuous with Boys’ High always threatening to score.

Boys’ High played with vigour and equalised late in the third quarter.

The game remained in the balance until Luke Higgie scored off a penalty corner, a penalty stroke seconds later by Pippa Norman sealed the result. The score blew out by two further goals as Boys’ High tired.

Higgie and goalkeeper Ben Smith excelled for HSHC. Celeb Hansen was player of the day for Boys’ High showing speed, intensity and solid play.