Stern test ahead for Ngatapa

GOALSCORER: Herman Fourie (left) normally plays in defence for NZ Fruits Lytton Old Boys, but a spell up front against THC on Saturday resulted in a rare goal for the Gisborne Intermediate teacher. THC’s Carlos Babbington contests possession. THC have the bye this weekend, while NZ Fruits LOB play Gisborne Boys’ High School. Picture by Paul Rickard

BEN Holden Fencing Ngatapa face a stern test against YMP A tonight in the opening game of the hockey round.

The YMP women are expected to rebound with passion from their loss to GMC Green last weekend.

YMP go into the 6pm match on the LJ Hooker Turf having rarely lost back-to-back games.

“In fact, it’s unheard-of for them to do that, so the Ngatapa defence will have to be right on song,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

YMP have played Ngatapa twice this season and won by four goals both times.

“We will try to play the same style of defence that has worked pretty well for us against them so far,” said Scragg, who coaches Ngatapa.

At 7.30pm, GMC Green will look to keep the momentum going from last weekend’s 2-0 win against previously unbeaten YMP A when they take on JNL Paikea.

“The Green team should come out on top, but if Paikea can stay in touch at the end of every quarter it could end up quite close,” Scragg said.

“Realistically, though, I think the Green Machine will win.”

The five-game programme tomorrow, dubbed “Super Saturday”, starts with the 12.30pm clash between GMC Gold and Williams Transport Gisborne Girls’ High School.

“I think Girls’ High will want to keep in touch with the top of the senior competition, so it is a must-win game for them,” Scragg said.

The men have the court at 2.15pm when YMP A play their B team.

“The top YMP team should be way too strong for their second team, but YMP B have been the fast improvers in the men’s competition,” Scragg said.

“They could give their top team a good run for their money.”

At 4pm, the YMP B women’s team will take on GMC Kowhai.

“Kowhai will be out to maintain their unbeaten run in the senior women’s competition but I think the Mel Knight factor for YMP B could be a thorn in their side. They will need to watch her closely.”

Knight scored a hat-trick against Kowhai last weekend.

The men will be back on the turf at 5.45pm with Lytton Old Boys Masters playing LOB A.

The Masters knew what to expect, Scragg said.

“Our top team have found some real form and played their best game of the year last weekend.

“They will want to keep that momentum going and the Masters will be on the receiving end.”

In the final match of the round, at 7.30pm, NZ Fruits LOB will play Gisborne Boys’ High School.

“That could be the match of the day because those teams are pretty even and have been playing some good hockey lately,” Scragg said.

“It might sort the men out from the boys and it will certainly be a good way to finish the round.”