Whangārei Boys' High player Jayden Maugham gets clear of Bream Bay's Brad Cotton during their premier hockey game on Saturday.
Whangārei Boys' High player Jayden Maugham gets clear of Bream Bay's Brad Cotton during their premier hockey game on Saturday.
Whangārei Boys' High School forced their way into the premier hockey semifinals with a dominant 5-0 win over Bream Bay.
The fourth versus fifth placed playoff match on Saturday wasn't all one sided, but Boys' High managed to convert their chances when they had them.
Boys' High assistant coachChristian Stainton said his side put away their opportunities when they had them but also limited the chances Bream Bay had to attack.
"We managed to keep them from getting any real shots on goal by defending outside the circle," Stainton said.
Slick passing and good pace saw Boys' High attack quickly forcing Bream Bay's keeper to make a number of crucial saves while, at the other end, Bream Bay struggled to get away many shots on target.
The win means Boys' High will take the fourth semifinal spot and play top qualifiers Maungakaramea next week, while Springfield will face Mangapai in the other semifinal.
The premier women's playoff was decided by a dramatic extra time golden goal on Friday night.
Whangārei Girls' High School went in favourites to the playoff against Hikurangi but left their numerous parent supporters biting their nails when the regular time ran out with the score at 2-all.
It wasn't until late into the second period of extra time and with both teams down to seven players that Girls' High found the winner to force their way into next week's semifinal against Old Girls.
The second semifinal next week will see Springfield play Maungakaramea.
In the reserve grade semifinals Maungakaramea face Boys' High and Mangapai play Hora Hora in the men's grade and Hikurangi face Girls' High and Old Girls play Maungakaramea in the women's.
