Team lose tough match

■ The Matthew & Co Real Estate Stratford B Women’s Hockey Team came up against the New Plymouth Girls B team in Stratford on Saturday, losing 2-0. NP brought on a tough match despite not starting with a full team in field. Stratford put up a good defence with their ball handling skills improving greatly over the season. Player of the day went to Demi Ward, in goal for Stratford, for her incredible work keeping the goals against at a minimum.

■ A clash of the two second division club men’s teams saw Le Dejeuner Catering Broadway lose to CMK Avon, 5-0. Both teams had full squads and intended on putting in their best effort. Unfortunately, Broadway were short on a goalie so Avon tried hard to take advantage of this. The game was played in good club spirit with some great phases of play leading to a good outcome for Broadway. Player of the match was Jacob Thorn in the goal for Avon who made a massive impact on the game, keeping Broadways score from expanding even more. ■ The Brian Darth Funeral Services Men’s A Team lined up against the New Plymouth Old Boys, winning 6-1. With a quality forward line comprising of Campbell Bower and Charles Barnes, NPOB posed a genuine threat. Stratford started with purpose. Crisp passing and building attacks from deep using all the layers. The best half of hockey this season was rewarded with three goals. A long-range attack saw passing around the back, down the right across the top of the circle for left wing tap in on the post for Brock Engelen. A corner variation saw Curtis Boyde pass for Jayden Roodbeen to calmly deflect past the keeper, and Boyde tapping in one just on halftime. The second half had Old Boys searching for a way back into the game, and their strikers starting to create pressure on the Stratford defence. Kieran Harrison, John Nield and Chris West in goal remained tight, calmly defusing the growing threat. When Harrison was taken out in a friendly fire collision at the top of the circle, Stratford showed character to keep scrambling. New recruit Jesse Whitehead, playing at right midfield, showed great commitment and work rate, alternately back-tackling at the defensive end and making space going forward. Three more goals throughout the second half had the game safe. A reverse strike from Curtis Boyde was the cleanest he has hit this season. Some slick passing smashed home by Scott Williams, and Rhys Millyn grabbing one from in front of the keeper. At 6-0 the result was comprehensive. NPOB grabbed a consolation goal from a corner as the final hooter went.

■ The CMK Stratford Women’s A team played Northern Wildcats on Saturday evening in New Plymouth in a top of the table clash, losing 3-0. Stratford started strong and held Northern from scoring until just before halftime. With only one sub on the sideline due to an injury during the first half, the pace of Northern team became too much and they scored another two goals. Stratford fought hard until the end but were not able to score off multiple attempts. Player of the day went to Kelsey Espin for great positional and team play, holding her composure regardless of pressure.

■ Games this Friday: A Women vs Hawera A at 6.30pm and A Men vs Hawera at 8pm. Games on Saturday:

B Women vs Hawera B at 1pm, Broadway vs NPBHS 2nd XI at

2.30pm and Avon vs Te Kiri Rovers at 4pm.