Key games for hockey competition

File picture

THE hockey spotlight falls firmly on the eagerly awaited re-match between YMP A and GMC Green in the senior women’s competition on Saturday afternoon, without a doubt the match of the weekend.

YMP sit on top of the points table but only on goal difference over the Green Machine.

GMC go into Saturday’s clash knowing they have inflicted the only loss this season on the defending champions. One goal was enough on the day.

“Redemption will be on the minds of YMP and I expect another close match will eventuate, perhaps again decided only by a single goal,” said hockey commentator Tony Scragg.

The match gets under way at 1.45pm on Saturday.

The senior men get first use of the LJ Hooker turf tomorrow night.

At 6pm LOB Masters will take the turf against THC.

“THC should be too strong for the Masters and should pick up three easy competition points.”

Gisborne Boys’ High School and the Lytton Old Boys NZ Fruits meet at 7.30pm.

“This could be the men’s game of the round,” Scragg said.

“The Fruits have been finding their feet as a team, and will give the students a good run.

“Boys High will have to watch out for them.”

The Saturday programme begins with the men’s match between YMP A and YMP B.

“Again, one-way traffic in the top team’s favour.”

The senior women’s A grade sides Amber Dental GGHS and JNL Paikea do battle at 3.30pm.

“That will be a good follow-on from the earlier match and it should be a nice close one,” Scragg said.

“The students have shown enough to suggest they could take the win.”

The senior women’s B-graders complete the weekend’s play.

At 5.15pm, GMC Kowhai take on Roseland Tavern Te Aowera.

“Kowhai should win well. They will be too strong, and should keep themselves at the top of the table.”

The final match pits GMC Gold against YMP B. “Nice close one to finish the weekend off.

“But YMP B will be confident after last week’s six goal performance. Gold will have to watch out for the Mel Knight factor.”