Eight goals, no losers

MOTHER AND CHILD: Gisborne Girls' High School's Olivia Gaddum (right) tries to disrupt the run of her mother, GMC Gold's Kirsty Gaddum, in Gisborne women's hockey on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday. The ball is obscured by Olivia's stick. Girls' High won the match 6-0. Picture by Liam Clayton

An enthralling 4-4 draw between Paikea and defending women's champions GMC Green was a highlight of weekend hockey on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

Gisborne Boys' High School's 5-4 victory over Lytton Old Boys NZ Fruits was the other game to provide thrilling hockey throughout.

The match between the Green Machine and Paikea was one of the best women's matches of the season to date.

“They went blow for blow until they were locked up 2-2, then GMC scored twice to lead 4-2,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“To their credit, Paikea came back late in the match with two more goals of their own to level it up.

“I think that's a fantastic achievement by Paikea, and it says so much for where they are at this season. It sets up a great clash next weekend when Paikea take on YMP.

“As far as the Green Machine are concerned, well, they have some work to do. But I would not count out the defending women's champions.”

The match between Boys' High and LOB was real entertainment.

“They went goal for goal right through the match, Scragg said.

“Boys' High finished their second half strong and deserved the victory.”

Scragg said he was happy to eat his pre-match words about the students having to wait another week for a win.

Ngatapa and Waituhi had a good go at each other before Ngatapa emerged 4-1 victors in a women's competition match.

“It was a good tussle,” Scragg said.

“It took Ngatapa a while to get into the game. They led 4-0 eventually and credit to Waituhi for hanging in there, and scoring a goal at the end.”

The other matches went the way of form.

Amber Dental Gisborne Girls' High overpowered GMC Gold 6-0, with Chloe Kapene and Heni-Kamaia Thompson each scoring a brace.

“It was good to see the Girls' High team bounce back from their narrow loss to Ngatapa last week,” Scragg said.

“That should seal them a top-four finish.”

Top-placed women's team YMP blitzed GMC Kowhai 13-1.

“YMP look unbeatable at the moment, but I think at the back of their minds will be thoughts about this week's game against Paikea,” Scragg said.

“It will be a good test for both teams.”

In the men's competition, YMP (2) outclassed YMP (1) 9-0 in a one-sided result.

“Let's hope they even up the teams again for the remaining matches in the men's Covid Cup competition,” Scragg said.

“We have seen some very even and exciting games in the first round of the competition.”

Amber Dental Gisborne Girls' High School 6 (Chloe Kapene 2, Heni-Kamaia Thompson 2, Keeley Smiler, Jayha Egan) GMC Gold 0; Ngatapa 4 (Emily Willock 2, Jessie McNeil 2) Waituhi 1 (Ally Tamihere); Paikea 4 (Amber Church, Joanne McLean, Jo Cumming, Taimania Clark) GMC Green 4 (Jade Stafford 2, Beth Torrie, Shannon Williams); YMP 13 (Toni Halley 4, Courtney Onekawa 4, Phoebe Bint, Brooklyn Edwards, Nancy-Rae Tarawa, Rhearne Tarawa, Morgan Tuhou) GMC Kowahi 1 (Anita Howard).

YMP (2) 9 (Heath Tupara 3, Tamanay Tuhou 2, Hamish Swann 2, Josh Cousins, Michael Bond) YMP (1) 0; Gisborne Boys' High School 5 (Lachie Falloon 3, Harry Allan 2) Lytton Old Boys NZ Fruits 4 (Patrick Ferry, Terry Thomas, Derek Watson, Henry Watson).