Hockey: Sticking to game plan earns victory

Maungakaramea's Debbie Monaghan in action against Springfield. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Terrible weather provided a tough day out in the reserve A women's hockey competition.

Maungakaramea battled to a 2-1 win over Springfield in the pouring rain on Friday night.

Both teams were missing players for the match due to school holidays but Maungakaramea were able to stick to their game plan to get the win.

Coach Janine Groves said her team maintained their game plan despite changes to their personnel.

"We still played a good short passing game even with players out of normal positions," she said.

Luana Hohaia opened the scoring for Maungakaramea went she struck the ball home 15 minutes into the first half.

Springfield stayed in the game and continued their habit of coming out strong after the break, converting shortly after half time to even the scores.

Carol Cottam put Maungakaramea ahead with 10 minutes to go and their defence was able to keep Springfield out to claim the win.

Groves said both teams had good scoring opportunities, but they capitalised on their ones.

In other reserve A women's games, Old Girls beat Mangapai 6-0 while Parihaka drew 1-all with Whangarei Girls' High School and Hikurangi beat Kamo High School 10-nil.

In the reserve men's grade, the competition is heating up with just two rounds left to play before playoffs.

Hora Hora beat Kamo High School 6-3 to move up to fourth on the table while Springfield remain in third place but closed the gap to second with a 4-3 win over Mangapai.

Bream Bay had an upset 7-nil win over Maungakaramea to move them off the bottom of the table.