Big tests ahead for school hockey sides

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THE Gisborne Girls’ High School side face a staunch test of their current run of good form on Saturday afternoon when they take on equal table-toppers GMC Green in one of the match-ups of the hockey round.

Amber Dental Girls’ High have won their past four matches and sit third on the women’s table.

“They have been on the front foot for the past month Girls’ High, but they may end up on the back foot a bit on Saturday against the Green Machine,” said hockey commentator Tony Scragg.

“I think GMC Green will be a slight notch above them skill-wise, but the game will be a real test for the students to complete the round.”

The match gets under way from 12pm on Saturday.

The senior men get first use of the LJ Hooker turf at Harry Barker reserve tomorrow night when THC meet Gisborne Boys’ High School at 6pm.

Like Girls’ High, the boys’ school team have enjoyed some success lately, but they will also get tested for sure tomorrow night.

“THC have beaten them on two previous occasions this season, and I would expect that to happen again tomorrow night,” Scragg said.

“THC need to find more team work if they hope to compete with YMP A at the business end of the season, and the game against a spirited Boys’ High team will give them the chance to do that.”

The 7.30pm match tomorrow night will see YMP A on the turf with Lytton Old Boys Masters.

“It should be pretty much one-way traffic for YMP A.

“The Masters have played well lately, but YMP will be in a different league to teams they have met recently.”

The Masters go into the match in third place in the men’s competition.

“. . . and that’s unheard of,” Scragg said.

JNL Paikea and Roseland Tavern Te Aowera will follow the Girls’ High-Green Machine game at 1.45pm on Saturday.

“Paikea will be too strong in my view, but you have to take your hat off to TA for the way they guts it out week-in week-out in a tough competition.”

At 3.30pm GMC Kowhai take on YMP B.

“Kowhai should come through but I think it will be a close one.”

The 5.15pm encounter has Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa against YMP A.

“YMP A will want to finish the round strong, and they go into the match as firm favourites.

“Ngatapa will have to defend very well to contain them, and contain the scoreline.”

YMP B and NZ LOB Fruits complete the programme this weekend at 7pm on Saturday.

“This could be one of the best games of the weekend.

“They are evenly matched, with the Fruits vying for their first win of the season. YMP B will not let that happen easily.

“Good luck to both teams.”