HOCKEY
THE YMP women will be on the bounceback trail when they confront Paikea tomorrow in hockey and the sparks could fly because their opponents will not be easybeats.
High-flying YMP were held to a 1-1 draw by GMC Green last weekend and, but for the width of a goalpost, could have lost.
Paikea drew with the Green Machine, too, at the end of July, so it could be an outstanding contest tomorrow.
“YMP will want to finish the women’s top-four round robin as top qualifiers,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.
“They are top on goal differential, but they need a win against Paikea to ensure that position.
“Paikea have shown good belief this season and they will make YMP work for it.”
The match starts at 6pm tomorrow night.
A weekend round of games that offers a lot opens tonight with a likely close contest between GMC Kowhai and GMC Gold.
“The two club teams have yet to find a win in the bottom-four round robin,” Scragg said.
“A loss for either team will see them face the top qualifiers in a sudden-death semifinal.
“I think Kowhai might have a slight edge, because Gold have struggled to keep 11 players available.”
GMC Green and Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School get the ball rolling at 12 midday tomorrow on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve.
“I think the Green Machine showed last week that they want to retain their title,” Scragg said.
“I think if Girls’ High can reproduce the form they showed against Paikea, they will give it a good shot against the Green team.
“But this is a Green Machine that has grown in stature in the past fortnight.”
At 1.30pm, Lytton Old Boys Masters and YMP (2) take the turf.
“A win for YMP should see them into the playoffs as top qualifiers, and this could be the Masters’ final dance for the season.
“If the Masters lose, their season is effectively over.”
LOB NZ Fruits and YMP (1) take their turn on the turf at 3pm.
A betting man would back LOB to win because of their upset victory last weekend against the top-ranked YMP team, Scragg said.
“Another win for LOB should see them finish second in the round robin, depending on the other result in the men’s competition tomorrow.”
The Ngatapa-Waituhi clash at 4.30pm promises to be a good match.
It was 4-1 to Ngatapa when they last met,” Scragg said.
“It’s the top-of-the-table clash in the bottom four women’s competition. Both teams will want to win to advance to the best possible position in the playoffs.
“Ngatapa are on a five-game winning streak, and Waituhi will be after their third win on the trot. So a great match is in store.
“Everyone in hockey here wishes our secondary school teams all the best as they prepare to head away to tournaments next week.”
Gisborne Boys’ High go to Tauranga, and the two Girls’ High teams head to Napier.