YMP-GMC game a weekend highlight

KEEPING THE BALL: GMC Green’s Maika Akroyd shields the ball from Gisborne Girls’ High School’s Tiari-Awhina Pepere. GMC Green take on YMP A tonight in what could be the match of the round this weekend. Picture by Paul Rickard

The senior women’s match between unbeaten YMP A and the Green Machine on the LJ Hooker turf at Harry Barker Reserve tonight looms as the match of the round this weekend.

Defending champions YMP beat GMC Green 4-1 last time they met. The prediction is that tonight’s game could be closer.

“GMC would have learned a fair bit from their previous encounter with YMP,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“Having striker Maika Akroyd back in their line-up will improve their strikepower.

“I expect a big crowd for what I expect to be a big contest.”

The match starts at 7.30pm.

At 6pm, GMC Gold and YMP B start this weekend’s series of games, and that could be close.

“The Gold team might go in as slight favourites tonight — this is a winnable game for them,” Scragg said.

“YMP B lacked a bit of scoring prowess last week. They will want to do better tonight.”

Mel Knight and Mihi Hannah would be the key strike force for YMP B if they were to have a chance, he said.

The Saturday programme starts at midday tomorrow when Lytton Old Boys A take on YMP B in the men’s competition.

“You would have to favour LOB A after their gutsy effort against THC last weekend,” Scragg said.

“In saying that, YMP B beat Gisborne Boys’ High School last weekend. The Michael Bond factor might be the telling point yet again for YMP.”

At 1.45pm, LOB B face a tough challenge against YMP A.

“That match will probably be one-way traffic in YMP’s favour,” Scragg said.

“I think the goals will flow quicker than the Waimata River did during the week.”

The going gets even tougher at 3.30pm, when LOB Masters take on table-topping THC.

“We were fortunate not to play them in the first round, but our luck’s going to run out big time tomorrow I’m picking,” said Scragg, who plays for the Masters.

“THC are in great form at both ends of the turf. If we could keep the score under double figures it would be a fantastic achievement, but I cannot see that happening.”

It will be back to the women’s games at 5.15pm when GMC Kowhai meet Te Aowera.

“Kowhai looked impressive last weekend and they would be red-hot favourites against TA,” Scragg said.

The weekend play concludes at 7pm tomorrow night when Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa take on JNL Paikea.

“They got us in the first round, but hopefully tomorrow night we can turn things around,” said Scragg, who co-coaches Ngatapa.

“Last week against YMP A the Ngatapa girls fought so hard in a 3-1 loss, and it gave them a lot of heart.

“I think the team will come out firing and it’s going to be a good way for them to start the new competition round.”