Hockey: City-Country series ends in stalemate

The City-Country contests provided top hockey action. Photo/Getty Images

The Northland men's City versus Country hockey series finished tied after the final match ended in a 1-all draw on Saturday.

After a close 2-1 loss in the first match, the Country team stepped up their game to get a 4-2 win over City on Wednesday but nothing could separate the sides as they played out a draw in the decider on Saturday.

The games, which showcased some of the best hockey talent in Northland, have been played during a break in the premier hockey season and used as trials for National Hockey League selection later in the year.

Country scored early in Saturday's match but City created good opportunities on attack and eventually got the equaliser.

City had won all four games in the two previous two-match series played at Northland Hockey so Country will take a lot out of getting their first win and a series draw.

The City women's team took an inaugural series clean sweep winning 4-1, 6-3 and 5-3 in their final game.

It was an expansive game played on Saturday with the series already decided but the strength of the City midfield showed as they set a good platform to attack.

City went up early in the match before Country pulled one back, but the all-Northland midfield for City then conducted the game well to set up good attacking opportunities.

It is hoped the City versus Country series will become a regular yearly fixture for both men and women.