Hockey: Maungakaramea take nine-goal battle

Maungakaramea pipped Hora Hora at the post for a 5-4 victory. Photo/Getty Images

It was a nine-goal thriller between the two top sides Maungakaramea and Hora Hora in their reserve men's hockey match with Maungakaramea coming out victors 5-4.

Starting the match well, top ranked Maungakaramea scored within the first few minutes, but the early goal caused them to rest on their laurels.

Maungakaramea coach Brad Pitman said his side were guilty of thinking it would just happen instead of working for the win.

When Hora Hora scored two quick goals to take a 2-1 lead, it was the kick start Maungakaramea needed, stepping their game up a notch to launch fast attacks.

"We kind of just expected it to happen after the early first goal so it was a little disappointing how we had to wait for them to kick us into playing," Pitman said.

Maungakaramea drew level soon after and slotted home another two late in the half to go into the break with a 4-2 lead.

But with Maungakaramea once again playing casually, Hora Hora came out strongly after the break to score two quick goals and draw level once again.

As the game wore on, both teams had chances but it was Maungakaramea who kicked their attack back into action enough to get the last goal and take the win 5-4.

In the other reserve men's matches, Mangapai beat Bream Bay 5-3 while Springfield defeated Whangarei Boys' High School 2-0.

In the reserve women's matches played on Friday, Maungakaramea beat Parihaka 4-1 and Whangarei Girls' High School beat Kamo High School 1-0 while Hikurangi beat Old Girls 2-0 and Springfield beat Mangapai 5-0.