Kowhai want improved showing

Out to do better: GMC Kowhai’s Emily Horne (left) contests possession with YMP’s Toni Halley. Tonight Kowhai take on Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa. Kowhai will be out to lift their performance after their opening-round loss to defending women’s champions YMP A last weekend.Picture by Paul Rickard

HOCKEY

NGATAPA will look to build on their opening-round success in Poverty Bay women’s hockey but can expect no favours from GMC Kowhai tonight.

Kowhai lost to defending champions YMP A last weekend and will look to do better tonight.

The Ngatapa-GMC Kowhai game opens Round 2 of the competition on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve at 6pm.

“It should be a good game; we expect to be competitive,” Kowhai manager Ngaio Haenga said.

“We have lost a few of our players to the GMC Green team, and we’ve brought in a few high school players who are still finding their feet.

“Also, we were short on numbers last weekend. Tonight we should have a full complement.”

Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa co-coach Tony Scragg said his team expected a totally different type of game from the one against Te Aowera last weekend.

“This will be no walk in the park. If the girls want to win again, they will have to play smart hockey.”

In the second match tonight, at 7.30pm, YMP B play Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School.

The students started well with a solid win against Paikea last weekend, while YMP’s second team felt the sharp edge of the new-look GMC Gold attack.

“I think YMP B have struggled for numbers this week,” Scragg said.

'Girls' High could rack up a big score'“Girls’ High could rack up a big score.”

The Saturday matches start at midday with the senior men’s game between Lytton Old Boys B and the LOB Masters.

“The B team will probably treat it as a bit of a trial match, and should come out on top quite easily,” Scragg said.

The match of the round starts at 1.45pm, when LOB A take on defending champions THC.

“This is definitely the best match-up of the day,” Scragg said.

“THC would be favoured, but I was surprised by the way LOB A played last weekend.

“They have started the season more strongly than I expected.”

At 3.30pm, YMP B play Gisborne Boys’ High School.

“I favour the students there. They showed last weekend what a quality side they can grow into this season.”

A lack of playing numbers has prompted Te Aowera to default their game against GMC Green, which was scheduled for 5.15pm tomorrow.

The final match of the round, GMC Gold versus JNL Paikea at 7pm, promises to be another close one.

Gold team manager Carolyn Anderson said the girls played really well last weekend.

“However, we were up against an understrength YMP B team who defended so well.

“It was a good training match for the girls, and I look forward to continued development tomorrow night.”

Paikea started with a loss to Girls’ High.

“I think Paikea could produce their first win of the season,” Scragg said.

“But it will be hard fought!”