Hugh Gilmer was strong at the back for Otumoetai. Photo / George Novak
Hugh Gilmer was strong at the back for Otumoetai. Photo / George Novak
Bayleys Otumoetai and CMS Mount Maunganui will meet in a local derby to decide the Midlands Intercity premier men's hockey competition at the Tauranga Hockey Centre on Saturday.
League leaders Otumoetai will technically have home field advantage at the Mount Maunganui venue, but both teams will feel right at homeat the fantastic new facility.
Otumoetai earned their place in the decider by subduing Kohekohe 2-0 at home, though their performance was far from perfect. A number of spectacular chances went astray in each half, with the competition frontrunners relying on their strong shape and speed advantage to maintain their advantage throughout the contest.
The home side created a number of chances in the opening half, but could not convert one into a goal until just before the break.
It was well worth the wait, though. A powerful drive from the reliable Hugh Gilmer found Cory Bruin just inside the circle, whose deflection sent the ball past the despairing goalkeeper.
The match opened up significantly in the second half as the visitors pressed forward, which in turn gifted Otumoetai's speed merchants on the flanks opportunities going forward.
Plenty of silky one touch passing led to a penalty corner with 10 minutes to play, which was expertly converted by Toby Harris to seal the result.
Coach Aaron Buchanan, who slipped on for an eye-catching stint with three minutes to play, said his players were "stoked" to have reached their first final in about a decade.
"Having a home semifinal and final is what we were aiming for and we've done it - it makes it much easier for the boys to prepare," Buchanan said.
"It was a tough game, I think we didn't play as well as we could, so there is plenty of work to do next week."
Buchanan believed his side's strong structured approach and crisp passing meant they were every chance in the final, and he did not have any preference on who they would meet.
"We're not bothered - a final's a final. Whoever turns up, it will be tough."
CMS Mount, which beat Otumoetai 4-0 in pool play, will be that side after beating the Pukekohe Indians 4-2 away from home.
