THC want a winning feeling

CLASHING STICKS: Brent Durston (left), of YMP B, and Sam Hain, of Lytton Old Boys Masters, contest possession in a senior men’s hockey game last month. These teams open the Saturday programme at midday. The last time they played each other, they drew. Picture by Paul Rickard

Senior hockey this weekend gets off to a right royal start as THC look to get the winning feeling back when they take on Lytton Old Boys A in the opening match at Harry Barker Reserve tonight.

THC are expected to bounce back strongly from their second defeat at the hands of YMP A, but the result is no foregone conclusion.

LOB A and THC lost to YMP by almost identical margins, which suggests tonight’s 6pm game could be close.

“It is rare for THC to lose three in a row and tonight’s game is a chance for them to make a statement to get back in the competition,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“I expect them to come through tonight.

“LOB A have struggled to get consistent strike power, whereas THC have two of the competition’s best in Tamanay Tuhou and Chris Fox.”

Gisborne Boys’ High School will aim for back-to-back wins when they take on LOB B at 7.30pm.

“That should be a nice close tussle, just the sort of game Boys’ High want ahead of their Super 8 campaign,” Scragg said.

“I think the students might just edge it.”

YMP B and LOB Masters open tomorrow’s programme at midday.

“It was a draw between those two teams last time and the Masters will be searching for their first victory against YMP B this season.

“Expect a fiery one to start the Saturday run of games.”

The senior women own the turf after that.

The 1.45pm game between YMP A and Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa will be a formidable challenge for the Ngatapa women.

“YMP A have not had a lot of hockey in the past couple of weeks and will want to claim back the top spot on the table, currently held by GMC Green,” Scragg said.

“Ngatapa can expect a tough day at the office.”

GMC Green should be too strong for Amber Dental Gisborne Girls’ High School at 3.30pm.

“The Green Machine have been playing some complete hockey in the past month and look to be serious contenders for the women’s championship,” Scragg said.

“Girls’ High will try hard, though, and will make a game of it for sure.”

At 5.15pm, Te Aowera should provide little threat to GMC Kowhai, who are unbeaten in the bottom half of the women’s competition.

“Kowhai are just too slick and too strong for the other teams in that bottom-four women’s grade,” Scragg said.

“They just seem to be cruising along and dictating the pace.”

The final game, at 7pm, pits YMP B against GMC Gold.

“That will be an interesting match,” Scragg said.

“YMP were put to the sword by Kowhai last weekend and they will want to bounce back. It should be a good game.”