Hockey: Big fightback serves up victory for Springfield

Springfield's Ashlee Dobbs weaves around her WGHS marker during the sides' 2-2 draw. Photo / John Stone

Springfield fought back from a slow start to take a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Bream Bay in the premier men's hockey match on Saturday.

Bream Bay were underdogs going into the game but managed to get in behind the Springfield defence with some quick breaks to go two goals up in the first half.

Springfield stand-in coach Grant McLeod said "we ended up with players high and out of position, so we were exposed at the back and they did well to score".

"We over-committed at times and put too many players forward, and that is an area we want to work on for future," McLeod added.

Springfield got one back just before the break to go into half time at 2-1.

McLeod then tried a change in tactics after half time to get his team back in the game.

"We dropped our defence back and let them have the ball further back and they started to turn the ball over more instead of getting through and getting opportunities," McLeod said.

"By the end of the game we had a lot more opportunities and probably should have scored a couple more," McLeod added.

Springfield scored off two penalty corners in the second half to complete the comeback and take the 3-2 win.

In the other premier men's game, Mangapai held on to their lead despite a spirited fightback from Maungakaramea to win 4-3.

In the premier women's competition, Springfield came from behind in the final quarter to give Whangarei Girls' High School their third 2-all draw.

Table toppers Old Girls beat Mangapai 5-0 and Maungakaramea also had a good 5-0 win over Hikurangi.