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HOCKEY
EVEN contests look likely for many of the hockey games in Gisborne this weekend. Several are too hard to call.
The match between LOB NZ Fruits and YMP B at 1.45pm on Saturday could go either way.
“That could be the game of the weekend,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.
“Before their manpower issue last weekend, the Fruits had started to turn the corner and I would expect to see that continue on Saturday.”
The 3.30pm women’s match that afternoon between JNL Paikea and Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa should be close, too.
“Paikea got them in the first round but it was close,” Scragg said.
“I would suspect that redemption will be on the minds of the Ngatapa girls on Saturday.
“But this should be another close one, perhaps with only a goal either way to decide it,” Scragg said.
The match scheduled at that time originally, between Gisborne Boys’ High School and THC was called off this week and the Paikea-Ngapata match was rescheduled.
The students’ team had only six players available this weekend, so THC got the points by default.
Roseland Tavern Te Aowera and YMP B open the weekend on the LJ Hooker Turf at 6pm tomorrow night, and that’s likely to be another tight match.
“TA are due a win this season and this could be it,” Scragg said.
“Both sides have yet to record a win in the second round, so it really is shaping up to be an even contest.
“I think YMP B will win, but TA will make a close game of it.”
The other three matches should go to form.
GMC Green should have too much polish and skill for Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School at 7.30pm tomorrow night.
“Green are the premier women’s competition leaders and the scohol holidays may be a factor for Girls’ High,” Scragg said.
“GMC Green look too strong.”
Saturday’s 5.15pm game between GMC Kowhai and GMC Gold should produce another Kowhai win.
“Kowhai should stay unbeaten, despite the fact the Gold team have been undefeated in the second round,” Scragg said.
The Saturday programme begins with the senior men’s match between LOB Masters and YMP A at midday.
“Expect a goal fest in this one, especially with YMP A not playing last weekend,” Scragg said.
“But the Masters have shown a lot of grit lately, and will make them work for it.”