Confidence boost for Ngatapa ahead of playoffs

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Ngatapa and Gisborne Girls' High School fought out a high-scoring opener to the weekend hockey round last night.

Ngatapa won the match 7-3.

“That was a great score by Ngatapa in a game against Amber Dental Gisborne Girls' High School that was expected to be a lot closer,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“It will have given Ngatapa a great deal of confidence heading into the semifinals.”

Tonight's clash between the heavyweights of the women's A Grade could be the clash of the weekend on the Hain Farming Turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

GMC Green and YMP face off at 6pm.

“It was a draw the last time these teams met,” Scragg said.

“Both have sealed an extra-life position heading into the semis, so this game will give both sides an opportunity to get the mental edge needed at the business end of the season.

“I think YMP might turn out to be the stronger team tonight.”

The Saturday programme begins at 12.30pm with Gisborne Boys' High School in action against Lytton Old Boys NZ Fruits.

“Boys' High will back up from a very tough Super 8 interschool tournament during the week, so their defence will be tested by the in-form Fruits.”

At 2pm, Waituhi play LOB Masters in the men's B Grade.

“After an impressive scoreline last weekend Waituhi will be primed for this one and very hard to stop,” Scragg said.

“The question will be whether the Masters can contain the Tuhou Show.”

At 3.30pm tomorrow the Waituhi women take on Paikea.

“Paikea will want to bounce back from last weekend's loss to GMC Kowhai and I believe they will,” Scragg said.

“They will want to maintain their position at the top of the women's B Grade table ahead of the playoffs.

“But the vocal Waituhi supporters may give their team extra motivation.”

The day ends with the game between Te Aowera and GMC Kowhai at 5pm.

“Kowhai will aim to back up from their big win last weekend,” Scragg said.

“Te Aowera will have their work cut out.”