Epic equaliser for premier men
Tandem Group Stratford Hockey Club round-up for week two: Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford Prem Men v NPBHS:
The Thursday match began with a storm approaching, but Stratford showed quality play with two firsthalf goals. The first was something special, passing around the back from the left to the right then finding connecting passes through the layers, down the line, with a cross from the right finding Brayden Sharp looming on the left to score a majestic team goal. Tyris Tukapua added the second. Kyan Hancock offered outstanding spark and inspiration from the unaccustomed centre mid position. But then the calm left for a while and Boys’ High stormed back to be 3-2 up with time running out. Looking deep within, the team again came from behind and manufactured an epic equaliser to claim a point with time almost up. The end result was a 3-3 draw.
Stratford Premier Women v Ha¯ wera:
Stratford Premier Women started off really strong on Friday v Ha¯wera. With great composure on the ball and great passing, only to be left searching for the back of the net. In the second half Ha¯wera found some great plays, asking questions of our defence, just leaving Lara Williams and Kat Strang proving too strong. The team never gave up and were always in the fight. With a draw, the team got to hold on to the Challenge Shield for another week. The end result was a nil-all draw.
Westwood Kitchens Broadway Men v Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford Prem Men:
Round two on Friday had the club teams matched up. Westwood Kitchens Broadway Men started with energy, harassing and challenging the Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford Prem Men across the field. But pressure built — first Julian O’Sullivan direct with another flick. Then Julian laid on a quality ball for Kobie Hey to score from the option. Brayden Sharp and Noah West-Adams added before halftime. Cam Tofts converted a drag flick and then Tyris Tukapua added a sixth early in the second half. However, Broadway kept fighting, great work from Dereck Davis and Nick Brown kept the effort high. Curtis
Boyde was always a threat up front and found a lovely touch that Josh Trowbridge converted to get Broadway on the board. O’Sullivan grabbed a second before the hooter. Result was 7-1 to Brian Darth Prem.
Lloyd Gernhoefer Contracting Stratford Swansea Women v Te Kiri:
The team showed moments of promise and determination throughout the game. While the final score reflected a one-sided outcome, Swansea’s players will look to learn from this experience. End result was 13-0 to Te Kiri.
Regan Women v NPOB Yellow:
The girls were prepped for a big game. They started strong in the first quarter, then with a substitution rotation came our first goal through Taylah Boyde. They lost their way a little bit in the second quarter and let them get one back to even the score at the end of halftime. The team stepped it up in the second half, from strong defensive to awesome ball carrying through the mid, to finishing goals in the circle. Regan Women’s second goal went to Stella Atkinson, then another in the third quarter from Taylah Boyde. With such a strong attack coming through they were finally rewarded with their fourth and final goal from Peita Smith. Final result 4-1.