Coach wants positive attitude from players

Getting low to the ground: Tamanay Tuhou of THC gets his pass away against Gisborne Boys’ High School last weekend. THC play YMP B tomorrow night in the last game of the weekend. Picture by Liam Clayton

HOCKEY

GISBORNE Boys’ High School face a tough challenge tonight when they take on YMP A in the opening match of this weekend’s senior hockey on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

The students took a hammering last weekend at the hands of THC and can expect another thorough workout tonight from 6pm.

“It will be a hard game for us and we have a few key players away, so that will make it even tougher,” said Boys’ High coach Stu Hockey.

“The boys will work hard on tightening up their defence.”

Hockey said his team were playing with a positive attitude, which was great.

“That attitude was there during last week’s loss to THC and I hope to see it continue tonight.”

Lytton Old Boys A get another chance to firm up their structures when they play their B team at 7.30pm tonight.

“That should be a victory for the A team and I am sure they will go about achieving it in a positive way, given they have some work to do,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School and YMP A begin the Saturday programme of games at midday tomorrow and it will be a real test for the students.

“The students will want to put last weekend’s default behind them and produce a positive performance,” Scragg said.

“YMP will make it very tough for them, though.”

The 1.45pm game between GMC Gold and GMC Kowhai could be the closest contest of the weekend.

“They are fairly evenly matched at this stage of the competition,” Scragg said.

“But having said that, I feel Kowhai would have a slight advantage at the player-skill level.

“It is the sort of game that will probably be decided by one or two goals.”

Ngatapa expect to be in the firing line when they play GMC GreenBen Holden Fencing Ngatapa expect to be in the firing line when they play GMC Green at 3.30pm.

“That will be a huge test for the girls,” said Scragg, who co-coaches Ngatapa.

“The aim will be to contain the Green Machine’s attacking strengths, particulary the likes of Kelsey Teneti and Jade Stafford.”

At 5.15pm, YMP B play Te Aowera in the final women’s game this weekend.

“That should be a good tussle, too,” Scragg said.

“The No.2 YMP team have played some nice hockey so far this season, with Mel Knight and Mihi Hannah to the fore.”

The men’s game between YMP B and THC completes the programme at 7pm tomorrow.

“THC are on a roll and scoring freely,” Scragg said.

“I expect to see a big score tomorrow night.

“The YMP line-up will do very well to keep the score under double figures.

“Poverty Bay hockey is looking forward to the start of the junior and secondary competitions next week, with the turf being used every night.”