‘Catch us if you can’

Crossing sticks: George Whitehead (left) in action for Lytton Old Boys A against THC’s Hylam Tukariri in men’s hockey on Saturday. THC won the match 8-0. Picture by Paul Rickard

HOCKEY

A BIG win to Gisborne Girls’ High School, a tight tussle that went Paikea’s way and a commanding victory to THC were highlights of the second round of the hockey competition on Friday night and Saturday on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa started the round with hard-fought 2-0 win against GMC Kowhai on Friday night.

Amber Dental Girls’ High School thoroughly deserved their 6-1 victory over YMP B that night, too. The game featured a brace of goals to Madison Savage, with four other girls getting their names on the scoresheet.

“That was our second win so far and the scoreline was a thrill,” Girls’ High manager Jan Clarke said.

“The girls played so well as a team.

“This early on in the season it was certainly a promising result.”

In Saturday’s games, Danny Kirk scored three goals for Lytton Old Boys B in their 9-3 win against LOB Masters.

David Preddey scored three times for the Masters.

THC stamped their authority on the game against Lytton Old Boys A with an 8-0 scoreline that sends a shudder through the men’s competition.

Tamanay Tuhou scored a hat-trick and Piri Orotaunga scored twice.

“I think that is the defending champions’ way of saying to the rest of the mens’ competition, ‘Catch us if you can’,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“That was a great result for THC, and LOB A look like a side with a bit of work to do.”

Paikea and GMC Gold fought out a tough women’s match that Paikea won 3-2.

“That game could have gone either way,” Scragg said.

“Amber Church’s Paikea team will be one to watch in the women’s competition.”

Gisborne Boys’ High School racked up their second win of the season, this time against YMP B, but were made to sweat for their 1-0 victory.

“It feels really good to win the first two games; the boys are really happy,” Boys’ High coach Stu Hockey said.

“Some of our young ones who have stepped up deserve special mention . . . the likes of Matthew Pepere and Ethan Hannah.”

Scragg said it was good to see such early-season form from the students.

“They will be wary, though, of the top men’s teams they still have to face.”

The other women’s match scheduled for Saturday did not happen. Te Aowera defaulted to GMC Green.

Scoring details — Women: Ngatapa 2 (Briar Hunder, Harriet Roil) GMC Kowhai 0; Gisborne Girls’ High School 6 (Madison Savage 2, Ngahuia Wilson, Brooke Willock, Jessie Kapene, Oaklea Bowden-Morris) YMP B 1 (Mihi Hannah); JNL Paikea 3 (Amber Church, Simone Lexmond, Christine Henry) GMC Gold 2 (Vicki Williams, Kelsey Teneti).

Men: LOB B 9 (Danny Kirk 3, Nick Fox, Matt Bailie, Michael Ducros, Wade Manson, Cole Manson, David Lepper) LOB Masters 3 (David Preddey 3); THC 8 (Tamanay Tuhou 3, Piri Orotaunga 2, Hoera Mohi, Chris Fox, Hylam Tukariri) LOB A 0; Gisborne Boys’ High School 1 (Matthew Pepere) YMP B 0.