Teams push hard for points

Hockey Waituhi v YMsticks down: Kayla Hornblow from Waituhi and Nancy-Rae Tarawa from YMP in action during a match this month. The men’s teams are having a battle royal for the Covid Cup, while the YMP women’s team meet another unbeaten side, Paikea, on Saturday. Picture by Liam Clayton

HOCKEY by Scraggy

GMC GREEN had a slow start in their clash with Te Aowera last night and the score reflected a closer game than most expected.

The 9-0 score reflected a GMC side that kicked into gear in the second quarter to take control, but credit must go to Te Aowera, who stayed composed, and to their goalie for playing an outstanding game.

Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa are hoping to keep their unbeaten run going when they take on rivals GMC Kowhai.

These two sides clashed in last year’s senior women’s final, and while GMC didn’t take the silverware then they will be seeking to unsettle the good start Ngatapa have shown in 2021.

The first of the men’s Covid Cup match take to the turf at 7.30pm tonight when YMP A take on Lytton Old Boys NZ Fruits.

Both sides had tough games last week, and if recent form is anything to go by LOB will go in with confidence, although wary of YMP A. They have conceded a few goals but are starting to flip their fortunes in recent weeks, so expect a close clash.

This Saturday will feature the first of what looks like two very close men’s battles. The first comes at 12.30, when YMP B face Waituhi, who drew last week. YMP B lead the men’s competition and a win for them could help them edge closer to keeping the Men’s Covid Cup in the trophy cabinet. But the Waituhi players and supporters will have other ideas, so expect a close tussle with some of the association’s best men’s players on display.

Gisborne Boys’ High School coach Hanoa Morete will encourage his young side to look back at last week’s first win of the season as their motivation when they take on the LOB Masters at 2pm. Both sides are locked on 3 points and a win to either will boost them up the points table.

Fitness will be the key for the youthful GBHS side.

Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School take to the turf at 3.30pm and will be aiming for back to back wins when they face Waituhi, who are slowly building momentum.

GGHS are still a work in progress with their combinations. That is showing as the more game time they enjoy, the more they will cause upsets in the women’s first round.

Both sides attract strong supporters, and it could come down to the sidelines to get the winner home.

The last game at 5pm will pit YMP with Paikea — both unbeaten and both looking for a win to lead the points table. These two teams have shown plenty of grit in defence with YMP conceding only two goals this year and Paikea just five. Both sides have talent to burn when it comes to goal scoring and Paikea will have to get off to an early lead if they want to keep in touch with a YMP side who have ability across the board.