‘YMP of old’ defeat GMC Green

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

HOCKEY

DEFENDING women’s champions YMP A beat high-flying GMC Green and Ngatapa secured third place in two entertaining hockey matches on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve last night.

YMP defeated GMC Green 3-0 in a much-anticipated clash.

“YMP controlled the game well and we saw the YMP team of old, with their attacking flair,” hockey commentator Tony Scragg said.

“They scored two goals from penalty corners and the other was a field goal.”

The Green Machine had their chances but could not capitalise on them.

Scragg said the win showed how close the top of the women’s competition had become.

“It is going to be hard to pick a winner come finals day.”

In the second match last night, Ben Holden Fencing Ngatapa beat JNL Paikea 3-0.

The goals came in the first, third and fourth quarters.

“The girls played really well to finish off the normal round,” said Scragg, who co-coaches the Ngatapa team.

“But certainly Paikea put us under immense pressure throughout, and the girls had to work hard for the win.”

Scragg said it was a good team effort.

“We now know we have a mountain to climb as the playoffs loom.

“Along with the other premier women’s sides, we wish Gisborne Girls’ High School and JNL Paikea all the best in their sudden-death playoff on Sunday.”

The season ends for the losing team.

The big weekend continues tonight with Te Aowera in action against YMP B at 6pm. Then at 7.30pm, GMC Gold take on GMC Kowhai.

YMP B and Kowhai would be the favoured teams in those matches.