Hat-tricks to THC’s Tuhou, Fox

DESPERATE MEASURES: GMC Kowhai’s Shannon Williams (at back) falls to the ground as she tries to get the ball away from YMP’s Courtney Onekawa. YMP A won the match 8-1. Picture by Paul Rickard

HOCKEY

STRONG starts for the defending men’s and women’s champions were features of the first round of Poverty Bay hockey on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve at the weekend.

Big wins were also achieved by Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa, Gisborne Boys’ High School and GMC Gold.

THC got their season rolling with a 9-1 win against Lytton Old Boys B on Friday night. Tamanay Tuhou and Chris Fox each scored a hat-trick.

“It was a THC statement to put the challenge out early to the other teams,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

YMP’s top women’s outfit started the defence of their crown with a solid 8-1 victory over GMC Kowhai. Morgan Tuhou and Nancy Tarawa each scored twice.

“YMP scored two goals in every quarter to keep the pressure on, and conceded a goal only near the end,” Scragg said.

“Like THC, the YMP women have put their mark on the competition already.”

Jamie Humphreys was the star for Ngatapa in their 17-0 romp over Te Aowera, scoring eight of her side’s goals. Briar Hunter chimed in with four.

“It was a very good start for the girls, and great for Jamie, who was out last year with a broken leg,” Ngatapa co-coach Scragg said.

“In just one game, she made up for the goals she was unable to score last year.

“The girls were good, but credit to TA; they played without a goalkeeper for the whole match, which made scoring easier for Ngatapa.”

GMC Gold opened their account with an 11-0 win against YMP B.

“I was expecting that to be quite close, but Gold were just too good,” Scragg said.

“Something good has happened in that Gold team in the off-season, and they look strong.”

Gisborne Boys’ High School got off to a cracking start in thumping the LOB Masters 9-0 on Friday night.

“I think the students will push the other teams in the men’s competition this season,” Scragg said.

“Players in other high-ranked teams looked at that result and said Boys’ High would be a team to watch this season.”

YMP A beat Lytton Old Boys A in a tight struggle on Saturday night.

“The 2-0 scoreline to YMP was a credit to both teams,” Scragg said.

“It was a hard-fought game, particularly in the second half.

“Jarrod Carter’s goal, scored from a drag-flick, was outstanding. It’s the type of goal rarely seen in our competition.”

Scragg said the season had got off to a good start.

“Some teams are struggling for players, but we’re hoping that situation improves.

“Playing winter sport in summer conditions tested everyone, and we hope for some cooler weather next weekend.”

Detailed results — Women: Te Aowera 0 Ben Holden Ngatapa 17 (Jamie Humphreys 8, Briar Hunter 4, Deana Cook 2, Jo Kirkpatrick 2, Alaina Vermeulen).

YMP A 8 (Morgan Tuhou 2, Courtney Onekawa 2, Nancy Tarawa, Toni Halley, Caitlyn Richards, Maia Rickard) GMC Kowhai 1 (Shannon Williams).

YMP B 0 GMC Gold 11 (Jonette Rudge 4, Andrea Hills 3, Kristina Hohepa 2, Heather Arnold, Jody Tupara).

Amber Dental GGHS 4 (Ngahuia Wilson, Paige Rofe, Oaklea Bowden-Morris, Tiari Pepere) JNL Paikea 0.

Men: GBHS 9 (Sam Blackburne 2, Kyle Hannah 2, Kingi Ormond 2, Lachie Falloon, Brett Hockey, Eric Taylor) LOB Masters 0.

THC 9 (Chris Fox 3, Tamanay Tuhou 3, Piri Orotaunga 2, Hylam Tukariri) LOB B 1 (Oscar Ruston).

YMP A 2 (Jarrod Carter, Mike Bond) LOB A 0.