Two in row for LOB over YMP

TURF CONTEST FOR POSSESSION: YMP’s Thomas Rutene (left) and Lytton Old Boys’ David Levy contest possession in club hockey on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday. LOB won the game 2-1. Picture by Paul Rickard

HOCKEY

Lytton Old Boys made it two in a row when they defeated YMP A for the second time in a matter of weeks in men’s hockey on Saturday.

LOB NZ Fruits won a highly competitive match 2-1 on the Hain Farming Turf at Harry Barker Reserve.

“YMP seemed to have control of the game at halftime after a Kohere Tupara goal gave them the lead,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“But a defensive change from them in the second half allowed the Fruits to capitalise, and they picked up two goals.

“Outstanding work from Fruits goalkeeper Cole Manson kept his team in front after that.

“The second win over YMP A has to be a really big confidence boost for the Fruits team.

“I heard yesterday from a top YMP player that their players love the rivalry in the men’s competition, despite the scoreline in the past couple of games against the Fruits. That was great to hear.”

In another tight contest, GMC Green beat Ngatapa 4-2 in the women’s A Grade.

“The game was evenly poised for a while, as the two teams went blow for blow.”

It was 2-2 heading into the final quarter.

“But the Green Machine scored twice in the final period to take the win,” Scragg said.

“Ngatapa would be happy they stayed in touch with them, but GMC would be happy to take the three points.”

Waituhi managed a 2-1 win against GMC Kowhai in their women’s B Grade match.

“Waituhi went into the game with no subs, but that did not prove to a be factor.

“They did have to grind out the win against a determined Kowhai, though.”

The best of the other games was the 3-3 draw between Lytton Old Boys Masters and YMP B.

“That one went blow for blow as well,” Scragg said.

“The Masters created more opportunities, but just could not finish off enough of them.”

The remaining match was a 14-0 victory by Paikea over Te Aowera.

Lisa Gill and Jessie Duncan scored hat-tricks, and three players scored a brace — Georgie Beaufoy, Kimberley Morete and Joanne McLean.

“It shows why Paikea are No.1 in the B grade for women,” Scragg said.

“TA were short on numbers, and the scoreline reflected that.”

Results — Women, A Grade: YMP A v Gisborne Girls’ High School deferred till August 1; GMC Green 4 (Megan Allen, Amy England, Caroline Maclaurin, Shannon Williams) Ngatapa 2 (Kate Pahina 2).

B Grade: Waituhi 2 (Marlene Nikora, Briar McLeely) GMC Kowhai 1 (Jade Stafford); Paikea 14 (Lisa Gill 3, Jessie Duncan 3, Georgie Beaufoy 2, Kimberley Morete 2, Joanne McLean 2, Taimania Clark, Jo Cumming) Te Aowera 0.

Men, A Grade: LOB NZ Fruits 2 (Sean Wills, Oliver Shivnan) YMP A 1 (Kohere Tupara).

B Grade: LOB Masters 3 (David Preddey 2, Victor McKeown) YMP B 3 (Andrew Carter, Hanoa Morete, Nicholas Pincott).