Teams will try to break deadlock

Maintaining Control: Hockey GMC Kowhai v Paikea -Paikea's Jo Cumming defends as GMC Kowhai's Bree Thompson secures the ball on the dribble. GMC face off against Gisborne Girls' High School tonight at 6.30pm at Harry Barker Reserve. Picture by Liam Clayton

GMC Kowhai and Gisborne Girls' High School kick-start this weekend's hockey round on the Hain Farming Turf at Harry Barker Reserve tonight as they try to pull ahead of each other.

These teams go into the game level on points in the women's competition.

“It's a game in which Amber Dental Gisborne Girls' High School can prove themselves as possible top-five finishers this season,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“Kowhai and the students have both won twice, so a lot goes on the line for both teams tonight.”

In the Friday night games, INA Contracting GMC Green take the turf against YMP B at 6pm.

“The Green Machine can be expected to continue on their unbeaten way,” Scragg said.

“But YMP B will go down fighting, and GMC Green will need to capitalise on their chances.”

At 7.30pm tomorrow night, Gisborne Boys' High School take on Lytton Old Boys Masters.

“It's father against son for me, and the winner will be buying dinner.”

Scragg, who plays in the Masters, will be up against his son Aiden for Boys' High.

“This will be a tough test for the Masters, particularly on defence, against a Boys' High team who have shown plenty of ability on attack.”

The Saturday programme begins at 12.30pm with YMP A playing Waituhi.

“YMP A have earned themselves a clean record results-wise to this point and it's hard to see Waituhi spoiling that on Saturday.

“But if a very good Waituhi turn up, and they are determined, they could pip YMP A.”

At 2pm, YMP B front up to LOB HPY Advisors.

“One-way traffic in that one, I'm picking,” Scragg said.

“LOB will want to work on their attacking combinations, and a game against the second-ranked YMP side will be the perfect setting.”

Then the women own the turf for the rest of the day.

Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa play Te Aowera at 3.30pm.

“Ngatapa can be expected to come away with the win there but TA will make them work for it,” he said.

“Ngatapa need the points to keep in the top echelon in the women's competition.”

Ending the weekend's play, Paikea meet YMP A at 5pm. This should be the women's match of the weekend.

“YMP A will go in as hot favourites, but Paikea have shown in the past two weeks that they are starting to find their groove.

“Their opponents on Saturday will be wary of that.”