HOCKEY REPORT
Brian Darth Funeral Services Men’s A v NPBHS:
Friday night’s clash with defending champions NPBHS underlined some important lessons for Men’s A. Lesson one: don’t give a team a three goal head start. After 20 minutes Stratford tightened up and stopped leaking. The middle stanza was an arm wrestle as Stratford looked for control. The last third saw Stratford step up both the quality and intensity. Searching for goals, Kieren Harrison converted a penalty corner but that was the only reward. Lesson two: sometimes a hole is too deep to climb out of. Final score 1-3. Westwood Kitchens Broadway Men v Te Kiri Rangers: Broadway scored quickly when Curtis Boyde provided a beautiful pass to Noah West to score. Minutes before the first quarter ended Josh Trowbridge slotted in another goal. Everyone settled into the next quarter fast where a quick pass from Boyde to Isa ButlerMather resulted in another goal. Te Kiri managed to slip a sneaky one in off a penalty corner in the second half but that was their only score of the match. Final score 3-1.
Stratford Premier Women’s v Masters Women’s:
In the first quarter the girls didn’t really follow the game plan, which put them on the back foot for the first few minutes. They settled in a bit more in the next quarter with dangerous looking attacks from beautiful simple hockey. Masters had a few strong attacks, scoring first just before halftime. In the third quarter, after a more good looking attack, a penalty corner was awarded and was sunk by Janika Hey. Midway through the fourth quarter Masters were gifted a free penalty corner by the umpire which they scored from. Kylee Perrett finished off a great team goal off the right post. Right on full time the team had 3 penalty corners in a row but couldn’t quite convert. Final score 2-2
Avon Men v Te Kiri Rovers:
Rovers put a lot of pressure on the Avon defence, but after conceding an early goal, Avon fought back. Midway through the second half a flurry of goals meant Te Kiri took a strong lead. In the last quarter Wyatt Swan, Zac Stewart started collecting turnovers and attacking, linking beautifully with Jacob Larsen, Mason Herewini and Mitchell Walsh. Final score 0-4
Regan Women’s v Swansea Women’s:
While the game saw Regan hold the majority of possession and territory, Swansea played some excellent hockey and regularly created quality scoring chances. Special mention to Lily Single for an outstanding match in goal for Swansea and player of the match for Regan was Leah Smith who produced the goal of the season so far, with an incredible run from right back, eliminating player after player at speed to then off load in the circle for the shot to rebound back to her, following up for a tap in goal. Final score 4-0
This week’s games:
Friday in New Plymouth:
Prem Women v NPOB Black. 8.15pm
Friday in Stratford:
Prem Men v Hawera. 8.00pm
Saturday in Stratford:
Broadway Men v NPOB A. 1.30pm Swansea Women v TNUHC Hawks. 4.30pm
Regan Women v TNUHC Keas. 6.00pm
Sunday in Stratford:
Avon v NPOB B. 1.30pm