Stratford finish with strong quarter

Tandem Group Stratford Hockey Club round-up for week three Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford Prem Men v Te Kiri

Stratford’s Prem Men started Friday’s game against Te Kiri by not trapping a single ball cleanly in the first quarter.

Once they settled the passing, opportunities opened up, and they surged to a 4-0 lead with two Cam Tofts penalty corner rockets, plus goals to Brayden Sharp and Tyris Tukapua. However, a bobbly ball into the defensive circle, some panicky clearances, some rushed passes and Te Kiri were pushing back. Two goals in two minutes before halftime, and two more after the break and the scores were four each.

Stratford settled and finished with a strong final quarter. Jayden Roodbeen capped a strong game with a stroke, Curtis Boyde scored a rocket from a tomahawk then the play of the game. Tuks with a ghosting dribble from halfway, mesmerising the Te Kiri defence drifting from the right towards circle left and finishing expertly past the keeper. Final score 7-4.

Stratford Premier Women v NPOB White

The team started strong, with a goal through Sharlaye Bardsley putting the team 1-0 ahead at halftime. The second half was in heinous weather conditions.

Clearly, the Old Boys were used to it, as Prem Women conceded 14 penalty corners over the game. However, none of them resulted in scores for Old Boys, with their sole goal coming from a Prem Women defensive error. Player of the day went to Kat Strang, the goalie. Final score 1-1.

Westwood Kitchens Broadway Men v Ha¯wera

The first quarter was a bit shaky while Broadway was still trying to settle in. Ha¯wera Men scored fast off a penalty corner early on but Broadway fought two more penalty corners without anything going in. In the second quarter, Ha¯wera scored another fast field goal to go up 2-0. Great defence and direction from Isa Butler-Mather, George Maltby and Shaun Nager at the back kept the opposition out. Broadway had their opportunities but just couldn’t slot any away. Final score 2-0.

Avon Men v NUHC Karearea

After falling behind early to a penalty corner, Avon tightened its defence and started to build their passing game.

Dylan Lobb and Jay Herewini formed a great partnership turning over ball, and sparking many attacks, with some great interplay and subtle skills. Dylan levelled the scores by creating space off a circle edge free hit and then roofing a tomahawk.

From the second-half pushback, Dylan passed to Jay, Jay back to Dylan, who put Jay in space to break free down the right, along the baseline, drawing the keeper and delivering an exquisite pass to Matthew McDonald who accepted the tap in at the back post.

Dylan converted a stroke, then cracked in a PC to complete his first hat trick in senior competition. Jay capped a memorable Avon win with a goal from a PC variation. Final score 5-1.

Lloyd Gernhoefer Contracting Stratford Swansea Women v NUHC Keas

Swansea Women showcased their growing cohesion in their third game of the season, with a convincing victory. Swansea’s offence displayed a clear understanding, creating a constant threat on the NUHC goal. Their well-executed plays were a testament to their ongoing efforts to gel as a team. The entire team, including the crucial contributions of the floating and returning players, played a vital role in dismantling NUHC’s defence.

Final score 8-0. Regan Women v NUHC Tuis

Regan Women remain unbeaten this season. The first quarter was an even affair finishing 0-0, but in the next three quarters, things came together for Regan Women, piling on numerous unanswered goals. A great team effort, but special mention to Lydia Atkinson who managed a hat trick of goals, Karen Jones who filled in as goalkeeper for the Tuis and player of the day Meg Baldock who showed great leadership and poise to always be threatening in the midfield. Final score 8-0