Fraser-tech held to draw but earn top seeding for semifinals
A thrilling contest between two of the leading men’s clubs saw Fraser-Tech and Old Boys battle out a 1-1 draw in the Waikato premier hockey competition.
Both sides have been consistent this season and are yet to lose a match in the second round.
From the outset it was clear each side wanted to play at a fast pace as Fraser launched a length of the field attack, only for Aber Old Boys to replay with some offensive pressure of their own.
However, Tech had the first real chance to open the scoring when Lloyd McLoughlin was left with only the goalkeeper to beat but Old Boys’ Andrew Lock proved he was up to the task as he made the save.
Old Boys went close themselves minutes later when a shot by Jonty Keaney inside the circle hit the post.
Against the run of play, Old Boys then capitalised when a shot was rocketed into the circle but as Tech keeper Craig Armstrong attempted to make the save he lost his footing and the ball ended up falling for Troy Smith, who finished off the easy tap-in.
Both Armstrong and Lock were outstanding for their respective teams and it was their saves that kept the match evenly balanced.
With Old Boys holding a 1-0 advantage going into the second spell Fraser-Tech were finding it difficult to convert on any of their penalty corners.
But as the half wore on Fraser looked like the team most likely to score as Elijah Graham and Kendall Nolan combined to apply some pressure on Lock in goal.
Graham fired a pass into the circle Student battle: Gurav Correa, right, of the winning University team, challenges his opposite Ian Laing during Saturday’s battle of the two student sides. Photo: Mark Taylor /Fairfax NZ which Nolan did well to trap but he couldn’t find the power and accuracy to finish as his shot sailed past the goal.
Eventually Tech had their breakthrough, equalising in a similar fashion to Smith’s earlier goal. Lock had come out to clear the threat but in a mix-up with a team-mate got himself tangled as Jimmy Lineham followed up nicely to grab the goal.
It set up an entertaining finish as both teams went in search of the decisive goal and Old Boys threatened to steal the result late but Richard Petherick’s strike couldn’t find Jonty Keaney on the far post.
The result sees both teams finish equal on the table but due to their greater goal difference Fraser will be the top seeds heading into the semifinals.
They will meet CKL Suburbs in their semifinal after they squeezed into the top four with a 2-2 draw over Ecolab Te Awamutu, who needed to win to qualify.
CBD University will take on Old Boys in the other playoff after they cruised to a 6-0 victory over fellow students Admor Promotions University, with Nick Trebilcock starring with a two goals.
Meanwhile, the women’s competition saw an under-strength Storage King University finish as top qualifiers after they secured an 8-5 victory over Fraser-Tech White.
University led 5-1 at halftime and a number of under-15 players featured on score sheets for both sides.
The much improved Ecolab Te Awamutu women’s side locked up second spot with a 4-1 result over Old Girls as Mary Rose Scanlon and Neve McLean finished with two goals apiece.
Fraser-Tech Blue round out the top four after a 2-2 draw with over McWhannell Roofing Suburbs and they look to take on University this week while Te Awamutu face off against Tech White.