Dalefield confident they'll stay in top level

Hockey

Dalefield may have to fight to retain their spot in the Wellington premier division men's hockey competition next season.

Their 5-4 loss to Indians in the play-off for fifth and sixth at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington last Saturday means Dalefield could be involved in a promotion-relegation match, probably in mid-September. That will happen if one of the top four clubs in the grade below are keen to play in the top level and are not already represented there.

The only club who fit both criteria are Kapiti and with them lying in fourth place they might be more tempted to stay where they are for the 2014 season.

Whatever that situation, however, Dalefield manager Dave Blackwood feels confident his side would comfortably retain their status.

"Honestly, I don't think we would have too much trouble staying up," Blackwood said. "Obviously, nothing can ever be guaranteed about a one-off game but the difference between the two grades is pretty big and I can't see it being a problem for us."

Blackwood said the loss to Indians was every bit as close as the final score would indicate, with Dalefield going out to a 2-0 lead, Indians drawing level at 3-3 by halftime and the teams going at it hammer and tongs in the second spell.

Making Dalefield's effort even more meritorious was that they were without key players, goalkeeper Orin Lockyer and centre half Liam Workman.

"We played well, there was absolutely nothing in it," Blackwood said. "We've had too many games like it this season, played well enough to win but came off second best!"

It was important Dalefield continued to play at premier division level despite the problems associated with retaining top young talent after secondary school.

"That's always going to happen in an area like ours ... imagine the team we would have if the Wairarapa players who are with Wellington clubs now were playing for us, we'd just about be unstoppable then."

The big bonus in premier division status for Dalefield was that it offered players valuable experience at a demanding level.

"There are no soft games and you have Black Sticks all over the place. It's a tough environment but if you can make the grade there, you can make it anywhere."