Semifinalists found in premier hockey
HOCKEY: The teams have been decided for next week’s men’s and women’s semifinals after some close finishes in the preliminary playoffs.
The exception was the Harbour City women’s team, who hit form at the right time to blow away defending champions Karori 7-1.
An early goal to Harbour’s Harriet McFetridge was matched by Sophie Macadre, but three goals in quick succession gave Harbour an advantage they never looked like conceding.
Back to their free-running, interpassing best, and with Charlotte Eastman and Felicity Reidy among the goals, they promise to be a handful for Dalefield next week.
The other women’s game was a heart-stopper with Victoria leading after an early goal to Caitlyn Proctor, only for Indians’ outstanding captain Sangita Patel to draw her side level then put them ahead with five minutes to play.
Vic attacked hard and with just ten seconds to play, Georgia McLean squeezed her shot into the corner to force extra time.
Vic shot wide in the first period, then with the teams reduced to seven players and time again running out, Amanda Franks knocked home the winner for Indians, who will meet Eastern Hutt in the other semifinal.
Harbour City men’s side could not match their women but played very well against 2015 champions Dalefield before going down by a single late goal.
Trent Lett took the ball down the left and Gus Wakeling and Joe Robertson were both involved before Aaron Oakly finished neatly.
Earlier Harbour had withstood several Dalefield attacks and created chances of their own with Jared Jones, Mike Richardson and goalkeeper Ben Smith among many to stand out.
Despite the lack of goals, Dalefield had plenty to be pleased with as they prepare for a semifinal against Northern United.
Hutt and Victoria got the worst of the conditions, but still produced an enthralling encounter.
Hutt were first on the board midway through the first spell when Mikey Jenness skidded in for the final touch.
Hutt looked the better organised but determined Vic resistance from Alastair Birchall, Rudi van der Mescht, Matt Wilson and goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex prevented any further damage.
With five minutes left the students broke into Hutt’s circle and after a brief melee young Finn O’Connor sent the game to extra time.
The first period was scoreless, but a crucial turnover by Harry Miskimmin in the second saw the ball fed to Martijn van Liemt, who made no mistake.
In the women’s play-off for seventh place Kapiti’s Emma Aitken scored in extra time to break the 1-1 deadlock with Toa and give her side their first win of the season.