Big guns to clash in women’s hockey game

DESPERATE DEFENCE: YMP and GMC Green produce onfield drama in a game last year. The central trio are (from left) YMP goalkeeper Aorangi Pahuru and defender Hana Edwardson, and GMC attacker Caroline Maclaurin (No.52). The teams meet again on Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

The big guns of Poverty Bay women’s hockey clash on Saturday afternoon in the game of the round, and the defending champions would be favoured.

The 12.30pm game between YMP and GMC Green has “classic” written all over it.

Hockey commentator Tony Scragg says YMP will go in as favourites because they have shown in their first two games that they are in good early season form.

“They’ve racked up a large number of goals, and have increased their depth of talent,” he said.

“The likes of Lucy McHugh have added real value to the team.

“The Green Machine have had a solid start, too, without being extravagant with their goalscoring.

“Let’s hope it’s a close encounter to enthral hockey fans.”

Weekend play on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve begins tonight with the 6.30pm clash between GMC Kowhai and Paikea.

“Paikea will go in as red-hot favourites for sure, looking for their third win on the trot,” Scragg said.

“Kowhai will be pleased to play a team more at their level, but unfortunately for them Paikea have been playing some good hockey.”

The two Friday night fixtures feature Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School against Te Aowera at 6pm, and a men’s Covid Cup match at 7.30pm between YMP A and Waituhi.

The second match could be another of the standout matches of the weekend.

“YMP A made light work of their B team last weekend, and will look to add to their scoring record this season,” Scragg said.

“Waituhi are a young team showing some grit and determination, so I think they will give YMP a nudge, a good run, at least keep them honest,” Scragg said.

The game between Girls’ High and Te Aowera should produce the first win of the season for the students.

“But TA have shown pockets of resilience in defence, and they have started well in their games,” Scragg said.

“If they can start well again, the outcome will depend on how well they can contain Girls’ High in the second half.”

As the dust settles between YMP and the Green Machine, the Saturday programme continues with the 2pm match between Ngatapa and Waituhi.

“That will be a good battle of the neighbours,” Scragg said.

“Ngatapa, with back-to-back victories, will go in as the favourites, but Waituhi are due a win at some stage, so watch out Ngatapa,” Scragg said.

The weekend line-up of games rolls along at 3.30pm with YMP B in action against Lytton Old Boys 1.

“The Lytton Old Boys team have been tracking along pretty well, and will look for another victory over a YMP side — a rarity in a normal season.”

In the final match of the round, at 5pm, Gisborne Boys’ High School play LOB 2.

“This will be another of the better games this weekend, certainly in the men’s competition,” Scragg said.

“LOB should be favoured but the Boys’ High team showed enough last weekend to indicate that if they can go the full 70 minutes it could be all on.

“I say, ‘Back your confidence, Boys’ High!’ ”