Thrills and tension in weekend fare

ON THE BALL: Paikea stalwart Amber Church, who recently umpired her 100th international, was pictured on the ball for her team in their win over GMC Kowhai as Briar McLeely looks to challenge her. Picture by Liam Clayton

A hard-fought win to YMP B against Gisborne Girls' High and a dour draw between Gisborne Boys' High and Waituhi were highlights of local hockey at the weekend.

Another feature was the close contest between Ngatapa and GMC Green, despite the final scoreline.

YMP B defeated Amber Dental Gisborne Girls' High School 3-2 in a thrilling match.

“YMP scored then Girls' High scored, then YMP scored again and so did the students, to lock it up 2-2 at the break,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“YMP scored the winner early in the second spell.

“That's three wins from three starts for YMP B, and that has surprised a few people in the competition.”

Gisborne Boys' High and Waituhi fought out a tough 3-3 draw.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Scragg said.

“Waituhi led by two goals after the first quarter, then the students replied with one of the best goals of the year to date, scored by Jack Fletcher.

“Waituhi scored in the second half to make it 3-1. But credit to Boys' High, they scored twice more themselves to lock it up.

“You could see the smiles from Boys' High coach Wade Manson, even through his beard,” Scragg said.

INA Contracting GMC Green eventually overcame Ngatapa 5-2, but it was 2-2 for a long time.

“Ngatapa tried hard but GMC showed their experience and gradually wore them down.”

In the other women's game, Courtney Onekawa scored six times as YMP A beat Waituhi 13-0.

“Courtney is rampant in the women's competition, and is increasing her lead in terms of goals scored over her YMP B clubmate Roschelle Koia.”

Paikea were too good for GMC Kowhai and ran out 7-0 winners.

“That's the Paikea we have grown to love,” Scragg said.

“They played really well. It was like the Paikea of old.

“Kowhai had a few chances but the Paikea defenders were up for it.”

In the other men's games YMP A demolished their B team 23-0.

“It was one-way traffic,” Scragg said.

“It's been a tough few weeks for YMP B, but at least they've got the two top men's teams out of the way.”

Lytton Old Boys HPY Advisors beat their clubmates the Masters 8-0.

“The Masters reckon they had the Advisors on the ropes early on,” Scragg said.

“It took the Advisors a while to score their first goal. It's good to see two club sides play in such great spirit.”

Results — Women: INA Contracting GMC Green 5 (Shannon Williams 2, Maia Brown, Amy England, Carmia Fuls) Ngatapa 2 (Elise Levy, Emily Willock); YMP A 13 (Courtney Onekawa 6, Kodi Campbell 2, Lucy McHugh 2, Mel Knight, Maia Rickard, Nancy Tarawa) Waituhi 0; GMC Kowhai 0 Paikea 7 (Jo Cumming 4, Joanne McLean, Kate Muir, Holly Miller); YMP B 3 (Roschelle Koia 2, Ana Te-Kani) GGHS 2 (Jessie Kapene, Mya Carrington).

Men: GBHS 3 (John Broad, Lachie Falloon, Jack Fletcher) Waituhi 3 (Aubrey Brown 2, Graham Edmonds); LOB Masters 0 LOB HPY Advisors 8 (Jayden McKay 2, Aaron Whitehead 2, Mitchell Hodgetts 2, Patrick Ferry, Elliot St John); YMP A 23 (Tam Tuhou 7, Jereme Taylor 4, Hamish Swann 3, Kohere Tupara 3, Gareth Knox 2, James Torrie 2, Jarrod Carter 2) YMP B 0.