Arch-rivals to do battle on Gisborne hockey turf

The hockey rivalry between YMP and Lytton Old Boys (now known as LPSC Traktion) dates back decades, including the memorable 2006 grand final in which YMP's Heath Tupara (pictured) scored late in the second half of extra time to earn his side a dramatic 2-1 victory. The rivalry will be rekindled on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday. Photo / Dave Thomas

The latest edition of a rivalry going back decades will bring round 3 of Poverty Bay club hockey to a climactic conclusion on Saturday.

Laidlaw YMP men and Lytton Paikea Sports Club (formerly Lytton Old Boys) Traktion have gone hammer and tongs many times, and early results indicate their first tussle in 2026 could be of similar intensity.

Traktion won’t have fond memories of the sides’ last meeting – a 6-0 YMP cakewalk in the 2025 grand final – and will be out to prove they have closed the gulf.

Tamanay Tuhou scored a hat-trick in that final and will be a key figure in the 4.30pm game on the Hain Farming Turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

Traktion, however, also have firepower, including Anthony Boyder, who has scored 10 goals in two emphatic wins so far.

It probably won’t be played at the same speed, but there will be an equal amount of history-based passion shown when YMP B face Gisborne Resene LPSC Masters at 1.30pm on Saturday.

Both sides feature some of the game’s more prominent names, several from a bygone era, but still exhibiting touches of class. Bragging rights over a beer will be the ultimate reward.

Waituhi whitewashed YMP B 12-0 last Friday and will look to continue that momentum against the Gisborne Boys’ High School First XI at 3pm on Saturday.

The students are in the early stages of a new cycle after losing multiple players from 2025 and will need to contain a Waituhi strike force brimming with confidence.

What could be the match of the women’s competition starts round 3 at 6pm on Friday as PGG Wrightson take on Emerre & Hathway LPSC.

Reigning champions Ngātapa have won both their games so far, but will be wary of a Pinkies side showing early-season form.

That game will be followed at 7.30pm by the first of the GMC derbies of 2026.

GMC Kowhai could cop the backlash of GMC Green’s loss to Ngātapa last weekend, but it is a game sure to be played in great spirit.

YMP take on Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High First XI at noon on Saturday. Experience could be the difference in this one, although the students will have been boosted by their round 2 win over Kowhai.