Arotea on guard against Tasman
HOCKEY: Arotea Kiwi women’s hockey coach Denise Lloyd is reading nothing into her team’s unbeaten run against Nelson team Tasman as they prepare to meet in the Top of the South division one final in Blenheim on Saturday.
Arotea Kiwi haven’t lost to Tasman this year, winning their first encounter 5-3, drawing the second 2-2 and winning the last two by identical 2-1 margins. But according to Lloyd, the margins have all been slender ones and was taking nothing for granted against a still threatening Tasman lineup.
‘‘The last two times we won, we won in the last couple of minutes, so it was like 1-1 for most of the game,’’ Lloyd said. ’’It’ll be a really tough battle and it’ll be who turns up on the day to play hockey really - which is great, which is what it’s all about isn’t it in a final?’’
Lloyd said that, so far, the key to beating Tasman had been reasonably straight-forward. And she didn’t envisage anything different at College Park on Saturday.
‘‘Staying in the game and taking your opportunity when you get it, whether it be in the last minute or the first minute. But they are good battles, there’s no question about it.’’
Arotea Kiwi had stood up defensively against Tasman this season but hadn’t always taken advantage of their scoring chances.
‘‘We create enough opportunities, it’s just sometimes we don’t put them all away.’’
Natasha Veltman, Terri Willcocks and goalie Leesa Armstrong had been key elements in Arotea Kiwi’s defensive efforts, with the creative Pip Lunn, hardworking midfielder Yvonne Boyd and Abby Scott also consistent performers. They’ve received steady support from halves Emma Burrell and Jo Jones.
‘‘I’m expecting Tasman to bring it to us. Just because we’ve won the other games, finals are different. We’ve got to front up and be prepared to play.’’
The match starts at 3pm.