Hockey: Cam Hellier double leads Maungakaramea to victory

Maungakaramea's Bronson Baker makes a break, leaving WBHS' Tom Lindsay in his wake. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

A double from Cam Hellier helped Maungakaramea to a 2-1 win over Whangārei Boys' High School in their premier men's hockey match on Saturday.

The schoolboys scored first through Thomas Lindsay, forcing Maungakaramea to come from behind.

Maungakaramea captain Steve Nink was glad he had players on his side who knew how to play catch up hockey.

"We had a couple of experienced players who really stepped up in the second half of the game," Nink said.

Hellier levelled the scores with his first goal early in the second half and snuck another one in soon after to give his side the lead.

"It was a good game by Dave Adams, he played well up front setting up goals which Cam was able to finish off for us," Nink said.

Maungakaramea were then able to control the game at their own pace for the final quarter of the match and deny WBHS any more real chances.

In the other premier men's match played on Friday night, Springfield also had to come from behind to snatch a 3-2 win over Mangapai.

With minutes remaining, Mangapai threw everything into their attack, even pulling the goalkeeper in favour of an extra outfield player, but couldn't get the equaliser.

In the premier women's matches, Old Girls used their experience and patience after Whangārei Girls' High School scored early to come back to win 3-1.

In the other women's match, Springfield also had to fight hard to eventually come out 4-2 winners over Maungakaramea.