Masters-GBHS game could go either way

DISPUTED POSSESSION: GMC Green’s Amy England (left) and Leigh Akuhata-Brown, of YMP A, contest possession in senior women’s hockey on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve last weekend. GMC won this game 1-0. On Saturday they play Paikea, while YMP play their B team. Picture by Paul Rickard

Form and status should dictate the outcomes in local hockey this weekend.

The senior men get things under way tomorrow night on the LJ Hooker turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

At 6pm, Lytton Old Boys Masters take on Gisborne Boys’ High School in a match that could go either way.

The Masters and the students drew 3-3 in their mid-April clash.

“I think Boys’ High have improved since that game and could be stiffer opposition,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“It could be a one-goal cliffhanger.”

THC get back on to the court against YMP B at 7.30pm tomorrow after their default win last weekend.

THC will be hungry for some play, especially after their 8-0 thumping at the hands of YMP A the weekend before.

YMP B could be on the receiving end of a big score.

“It will certainly be one-way traffiic,” Scragg said.

“You wouldn’t want to be the team facing THC after that massive loss to YMP A.”

The Saturday programme starts with the YMP A men’s game against LOB NZ Fruits at midday.

“Fruits would have to improve two-fold to have any chance in the match,” Scragg said.

“I expect YMP to be way too strong for them.”

The turf belongs to the senior women after that.

At 1.45pm, YMP A take on YMP B.

“It will be another cakewalk for the top YMP team against their clubmates,” Scragg said.

“But there will be no love lost for the 70 minutes of the game.”

The JNL Paikea match-up with GMC Green at 3.30pm holds some interest, but the Green Machine will not want to slip back after last week’s thrilling win against YMP A.

“The pressure goes on Green from here to keep up that form,” Scragg said.

“I cannot see them losing this one, with competition points so vital.”

At 5.15pm, GMC Gold meet Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa, who are on the rebound after a loss to Girls’ High.

“I think we will see plenty of Ngatapa goals,” Scragg said.

The round ends with a 7pm game between Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School and GMC Kowhai.

“Girls’ High will be looking for their third win on the trot, and they should achieve it,” Scragg said.

“A win will put them well up in the top three in the senior women’s competition.”

Roseland Tavern Te Aowera have the bye this weekend.