Hockey: Leaders Otumoetai outclass Onewhero Puke

Bayleys Otumoetai remain undefeated after nine rounds of the Midlands Intercity Hockey Competition after a resounding 6-1 win over Onewhero Pukekohe at the Tauranga Hockey Centre on Saturday.

The home side looked superior from the start and could have easily gone into the break more than two goals up after missing a number of early chances in what was, at times, a frustrating first half.

Midlands representative Craig Fowler opened the scoring with a nicely worked move from a penalty corner in the 15th minute after Hugh Gilmer and Toby Harris had both gone within a whisker of breaking the deadlock.

Gilmer's effort rattled the bar from a penalty corner while Harris uncharacteristically missed a sitter at the back post, but those were by no means the only chances created by the superior side.

The visitors scored their only goal in the 28th minute, but Harris showed a fine touch to control a pass fired into the circle before banging home his second to restore the advantage after half an hour.

Another goal followed before halftime to extend the lead to 3-1, which quickly grew as Otumoetai ran the Pukekohe side ragged while keeping them scoreless in the second half.

In the end, the competition leaders prevailed 6-1 - registering their 50th goal of the season to increase their positive goal differential to 34.

Gilmer was again strong at the back. He communicated effectively to marshal his troops and fired pinpoint passes past the visitors' attempted defensive screens, while the precision of Fowler and the pace of Harris proved far too much for the second Pukekohe team in as many weeks.

Otumoetai travel to Ngatea to play Valley United next weekend while second-placed CMS Mount will host Onewhero Pukekohe at the Tauranga Hockey Centre.