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HOCKEY
A REMATCH between YMP A and THC headlines Poverty Bay club hockey this weekend at Harry Barker Reserve, and THC have a long way to come back from the thrashing they got last time the two sides met.
YMP A dished out an 8-0 whitewash when the archrivals met mid-May.
“I think redemption might be on the minds of THC on Saturday,” said hockey commentator Tony Scragg.
“But they are going have to improve the quality of their play to reverse the result from last month.
“YMP A looked sharp and clinical in that match and I expect the same level of performance from them.
“To be more competitive, THC need to ensure their defensive structures are bang-on, particularly in their circle,” Scragg said.
The match is at midday on Saturday.
The senior women kick the weekend off with two matches on the LJ Hooker turf tomorrow night.
At 7.30pm, GMC Gold take on Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School.
“Girls’ High could be looking at their fourth win on the trot,” said Scragg.
“They have been playing structurally well as a team in their recent matches, and they should be too slick for the Gold team.”
GMC’s Green Machine will be out to maintain their momentum when they meet GMC Kowhai at 6pm.
Green have upped the intensity in the past few weeks, including a determined 1-0 win over defending women’s champions YMP A and an 8-0 result against JNL Paikea last time out.
“A win to Green will keep them equal-first place on the table and they will be well aware of the need to take the points.”
Senior men’s matches continue at 1.45pm on Saturday when YMP B play Gisborne Boys’ High School.
“Boys’ High will go in as favourites after a great last hit-out against the LOB Masters. That 5-2 victory will have given them quite a bit of confidence and I expect that to be reflected on the turf (on Saturday).”
Lytton Old Boys’ Masters meet their New Zealand Fruits-sponsored clubmates at 3.30pm.
“The Masters outclassed them last time they met,” Scragg said. “The Fruits have struggled to put it together so far this season and perhaps this match could be the turning point for them. Let’s hope so.”
At 5.15pm, JNL Paikea women take the turf against YMP B.
“That should be one-sided in Paikea’s favour,” said Scragg. “A win will put them into the top four.”
The finale for the weekend at 7pm promises to be a goal-fest, as Roseland Tavern Te Aowera go up against YMP A.
“It will be a tough match for TA,” Scragg said. YMP A will be well aware that goal differences will make a difference when first-round trophies go on the line.”