Hockey: Northland lose in 5th/6th shootout, Canterbury win women's NHL

Northland's Jane Thomson on the move during their shootout loss to Capital in the NHL competition. Northland finished sixth. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Northland battled well but ultimately came out short in a shootout against Capital on the final day of the NHL.

Northland started the fifth and sixth playoff in the best fashion possible after Samantha Polovnikoff scored in the first minute.

Both sides went about their business after that with neither side willing to budge.

Northland defended well and kept Capital scoreless throughout the first half but were unable to extend their lead.

The second half went as the first did; a see-sawing battle where both teams were fighting valiently on both offence and defence.

Northland had their chances to extend the lead throughout the game but their inability to find the back of the net came back to haunt them in the closing stages of the second half.

In the penultimate minute, Charlotte Eastman nabbed the equiliser, sending the game to a penalty shootout.

Jess Pilmer was the first one up for Northland but was unable to get through Capital goalkeeper Ginny WIlson.

Northland's goalkeeper Nicola Howes then stepped up to stop Felicity Reidy from gaining the advantage.

Northland and Capital traded goals through Maddi McLean (Northland) and Harriet McFetridge.

Both sides then missed goals, leaving them tied at one a piece after three attempts.

The pivotal moment came in the fourth attempts. Wilson came up with a save to deny Kelsey Eaton and gave Capital an opening to get a lead.

Reidy stepped up and made up for the one she missed earlier to give Capital a 2-1 lead with one shot remaining.

Captain Alana Millington gave Northland a chance with a successful attempt, but it was in vain as Katherine van Woerkom nailed the clincher for Capital.

Meanwhile, Canterbury took out the women's competition with a 3-2 win over North Harbour.

Goals from Olivia Merry, Joie Leigh and Jenny Storey steered Canterbury to the title.

In the men's competition, Northland didn't factor on the finals day after they went winless through the competition.

Midlands took out the men's competition, powering to a 3-1 win over Canterbury.

A double from striker Connor Herewini was complimented by a Joseph Lyons strike to lead Midlands to the title.