Hockey: Parihaka see off speedy students

Photo / File

Parihaka have secured their spot in the top four of the reserve A women's hockey table with a 4-0 win over Whangarei Girls' High School.

After the match Parihaka coach Gail Ambler praised the hard work of her key players and their ability to keep out a quick Girls' High attack.

"They had a lot of attack and a lot of chances but our defence was good," Ambler said.

"Georgia Beasley as keeper was very confident in the goal and was a life saver back there."

It was an evenly contested match but Parihaka were able to take an early lead through a Sarah Pilcher goal. Striker Rebecca Wilson added one more for Parihaka allowing them to take a 2-nil lead into halftime of the Friday night fixture.

Girls' High then used their fast pace running style and were able to break through a high pressed Parihaka midfield but were unlucky not to score off their attacking opportunities.

Despite the loss, Girls' High coach Lucy de Pass praised her team's passing game, saying it was an improved performance from her girls.

Pilcher and Wilson both scored again for Parihaka in the second half to push the final score to 4-nil.

Parihaka sit in fourth place behind Hikurangi, Old Girls and Maungakaramea on the reserve A women's table after the first complete round robin of three to be played this season.

In other reserve A women's matches, Springfield drew nil-all with Kamo High School while Hikurangi beat Maungakaramea 4-0 and Old Girls beat Mangapai 7-0.

In the reserve men's grade Mangapai beat Hora Hora 7-5 while Whangarei Boys' High School beat Kamo High School 3-0 and Bream Bay beat Springfield 4-2.