2021 grand final rematch

REPLAY: Poverty Bay Club Hockey men's champions LOB Advisors and YMP A will test themselves against each other on Saturday afternoon in a replay of last year's grand final. From left, Michael Bond, Kieran Barker, Liam Melville, Kohere Tupara, Thomas Rutene and Jayden McKay were pictured in action from that final. File picture

Centre stage in the hockey competition this weekend will be taken by the two leading men's teams when the Lytton Old Boys top team outfit front up to YMP A, in a replay of last year's Grand Final.

The 12.30pm clash on Saturday afternoon on the Hain Farming Turf has classic written all over it.

LOB HPY Advisors and YMP A have not played each other so far this season.

“YMP A's defence has been rarely rested this season to-date, but they have shown real poise on attack,” said hockey commentator Tony Scragg.

“The Advisors, on the other hand, struggled to get into their groove against Boys' High last weekend and will need a marked improvement to foot it with YMP.

“I expect a really good clash to start the Saturday programme.”

The weekend play presents some interesting match-ups across the competition and none more so than the clash tonight between GMC Kowhai and Te Aowera. The two teams are fairly evenly matched.

“Kowhai will be bolstered by their big win over Waituhi last weekend,” Scragg said.

“But TA are a side who can be a surprise package in the women's competition.

“They will want to put in a big performance for their coach Max Malcolm,” Scragg said.

That game starts at 6.30pm.

Friday night hockey features unbeaten INA Contracting GMC Green fresh from their victory last weekend against the previously unbeaten YMP A.

This time they play Waituhi at 6pm.

“One way traffic likely there,” Scragg said.

“The Green Machine are showing some really good form right across the turf and Waituhi can expect a barrage of attack in their goal circle.”

At 7.30pm tomorrow, the Waituhi men take on Lytton Old Boys Masters.

“The Masters will enjoy a more even competition, but the Waituhi men have some key strikers in their forward line. If you give them an inch they will take a mile.”

After the big men's game midday Saturday the YMP B team take on Gisborne Boys' High School at 2pm.

“Boys' High will go in confident after their strong performance last weekend against the Advisors.”

At 3.30pm it will be Paikea and Amber Dental Gisborne Girls' High School, and the “Ladies in Pink” will fancy their chances.

“Paikea played well last weekend, and the students will need to lift a gear,” Scragg said.

“We have yet to see the Girls' High team of old this season and perhaps Saturday's game might be a motivation for them.”

The weekend's play concludes at 5pm when YMP A women take on their B team.

“That will be a one-sided affair probably.

“YMP lost last weekend to GMC Green so you can expect them to come out strongly — even against their own clubmates.”