Masters and Boys’ High could have tough start

ON AGAIN: The 2019 hockey season begins tomorrow night under the lights on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve. YMP’s Kieran Barker was pictured in action last season, pursued by THC’s Chris Fox. File picture by Paul Rickard

HOCKEY

IT could be a tough start for Lytton Old Boys Masters and Gisborne Boys’ High School when Poverty Bay Hockey’s season gets under way tomorrow night.

The students have drawn LOB NZ Fruits and the Masters take on last year’s men’s runners-up, THC.

“I know the Masters are low on troops and if there’s one side you don’t want to play when you’re low on troops, it’s THC,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“Expect a big, one-sided result in the opening match of the season.”

Scragg said he thought the NZ Fruits side would look to their new recruits from the former “Traders” side to lead the way against the students.

“But Boys’ High, with new coaches Hanoa Morete and Tony Carpendale, will want nothing less than a winning start to their campaign.”

The Masters/THC clash begins at 6pm and the Boys’ High/LOB match, at 7.30pm.

The opening men’s round concludes at 7pm on Saturday night, when defending champions YMP A take on their B team.

“That should be a bit of a trial match for both teams,” Scragg said.

“Quite a few of the YMP A players took part in summer hockey, so they should be match-fit.”

The women’s competition begins at 12 midday on Saturday and it promises to be a challenging start for Te Aowera, who front up to Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa.

“Ngatapa have shown good form in the past few seasons and I feel sure they will look to a positive start to their season,” Scragg said.

At 1.45pm defending women’s champions YMP A get their season under way against GMC Kowhai.

“The YMP women look like a talented side again and should come through easily against a new-look Kowhai side,” Scragg said.

The 3.30pm clash between YMP B and GMC Gold should be close.

“That could turn out to be the match of the day,” Scragg said.

“Both sides should front up with older, more experienced players and they will have a good go at each other.”

The 5.15pm women’s game between Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School and JNL Paikea could also be close.

“Again, both teams have new players,” Scragg said.

“Girls’ High will want to improve on what they achieved last season.

“It’s certainly good to see Henry Mulligan put his hand up to coach them again.”

GMC Green have the bye to start the season.