High drama expected

TWO ON ONE: YMP A player Jarrod Carter (right) contests possession with THC duo Tegan Nikora-Brown (left) and Hoera Mohi. THC play Lytton Old Boys A tonight to determine who will play YMP A in the senior men’s final. Picture by Paul Rickard

Expect high drama this weekend as teams vie for places in the finals of local senior hockey.

The senior semifinals begin at 6pm tonight when Lytton Old Boys Masters take on LOB B, with the winner to proceed to the B Grade men’s final.

The Masters had their first win of the season last weekend against YMP B to make tonight’s match on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

“LOB B have outclassed the Masters all season, but if the Masters look back to last week’s result — miracles can happen,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“Certainly the Masters will be going out to give their clubmates a good run for the money.”

The second match tonight, at 7.30pm, will decide who joins YMP A in the A grade men’s final.

In that game, THC take on LOB A.

“THC, the defending champions, have shown us glimpses of what they are capable of, and would go into tonight’s game as slight favourites,” Scragg said.

“Both sides will be well aware of what lies ahead of them in the final against YMP A, so strong performances from both line-ups are required tonight to build up for that game.”

Scragg expects a close scoreline.

“One or two goals might be the difference tonight.”

The women own the turf on Saturday and at midday tomorrow GMC Kowhai and Te Aowera will compete for a place in the B Grade women’s final.

“Kowhai would go into that match as super-strong favourites,” Scragg said.

“They have been unbeaten in the bottom four and will look to march straight through to that final.”

The following match, at 1.45pm, could be a lot closer as YMP B take on GMC Gold.

The winners also go through to the B Grade women’s final.

YMP B had shown they were the stronger team, Scragg said.

He expected to see that reflected in their performance tomorrow.”

At 3.30pm, GMC Green play JNL Paikea for a place in the A Grade women’s final.

“The Green Machine will definitely go into the game as favourites,” Scragg said.

“Paikea will have to lift a couple of notches to stay with them.

“GMC Green have such a good strike force in Kelsey Teneti and Jade Stafford. They will be the key players for their team.”

The other position in the A grade women’s final will be decided in the 5.15pm game between YMP A and Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa.

“Taking on YMP A will be a massive mountain to climb for the country girls tomorrow afternoon,” Scragg said.

“Ngatapa have played some really good hockey lately, but it’s a different story against a determined YMP side.

“YMP will be setting themselves to successfully defend their title, and tomorrow’s semifinal is the next step along that road.”