Another round of Midlands Intercity hockey was played on Saturday. Photo / File
The local derby between Mt Maunganui and Otumoetai in the Midlands Intercity women's hockey clash on Saturday was a closer encounter than some spectators were expecting.
Competition leaders Mount were anticipated to be untroubled by middle-of-the-table Otumoetai, but no one told the Otumoetai players. The Mount women opened up a
2-0 lead by the halftime interval, both from sharp-shooter Katie Horan.
As the match progressed, Otumoetai staged an increasing number of attacks on their opponents' circle, and these efforts were finally rewarded when captain Nikki Furmage scored with a skilful backhand chop two minutes from time.
Otumoetai's attackers threw all their energy into striving for the equaliser but were unable to again beat the Mount goalie Isla Johnston, who had pulled off a couple of vital saves earlier in the final quarter. Otumoetai's keeper Carol Orton also had a good game.
Mt Maunganui's 2-1 victory means they retain the lead at the top of the table, two points clear of Fraser Tech and Waikato University, who both recorded wins on Saturday.
