YMP A favourites but Waituhi ‘capable of anything’: Scragg

Hockey YMP A v LOB Masters -

The Poverty Bay club hockey spotlight is on YMP A and Waituhi tonight in what should be an excitement-packed opening to the weekend’s play.

Defending champions YMP are the favourites heading into the 6pm Premier 1 match but Waituhi cannot be discounted.

“The first of the top three-bottom three games in the men’s competition is going to be hard fought, tightly contested,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“YMP A have had two victories over Waituhi (this season, 3-0 and 10-2), which will give them confidence.

“But Waituhi have shown us previously they are capable of anything.

“YMP will have to be on their game against them tonight.”

Lytton Old Boys Traktion have the bye in the Premier 1 division.

The second match tonight pits YMP B against LOB Resene Masters at 7.30pm in the Premier 2 men’s bottom-three.

Previous meetings between the sides this year have resulted in a draw and a 1-0 win to YMP B.

“The Masters will be looking to get one back off them tonight,” Scragg said. “It’s doable but YMP have plenty of players and the numbers could count against the Masters.”

Gisborne Boys’ High School 1st XI, who had an inter-school game in Whakatane yesterday, have the bye.

The women own the Hain Faming Turf tomorrow, starting with a 12.30pm Premier 1 clash between GMC Green and Paikea.

“The Green Machine are a classy side at this point of the season and will not want to drop any points,” Scragg said. “But Paikea have shown grit and determination and will be up for the challenge.”

Defending champions YMP A and Gisborne Girls’ High 1st XI follow at 2pm.

“It was only 2-1 in YMP’s favour against the students two weeks ago — a game in which they (GGHS) could have caused the major upset of the season.

“Expect YMP to lift their game against the school team tomorrow. They won’t be taking the students lightly.”

The day continues with Premier 2 action.

YMP B face GMC Kowhai at 3.30pm in what Scragg says is “potentially  the other game of the weekend”.

“Kowhai are sitting first in Premier  2 (on six points) while YMP B are  fourth (three points).

“With the points situation being what it is, the three points on offer are vital to both teams. A single goal might split them tomorrow.”

The weekend concludes with PGG Wrightson Ngatapa (6pts) against Te Aowera (3pts) at 5pm.

“Ngatapa will be vying to keep themselves in the top three of Premier 2 so will be determined to win it.

“TA, on the other hand, will chuck everything at them and make a real game of it.”