Hockey
Expect fireworks from Trust House Capital in their pre-season match with fellow national men's hockey league side Central Mavericks at Clareville on Sunday.
That's the word from Capital coach Sean Dancer who says he wants his team to play a high tempo game in their first appearance for 2013, similar to that seen regularly on the international stage these days.
"Hockey is a fast-paced sport and it's important we are competitive in that regard, ... this is the starting point for us and we want to make the most of it."
Dancer is excited at the prospect of having his Black Sticks on deck at Clareville and for the NHL campaign. The country's most capped player, Phil Burrows, who has played a staggering 303 times for New Zealand, is sure to be prominent, along with the likes of Blair Hilton (99 caps), Stephen Jenness (87 caps), Alex Shaw and Jacob Smith.
"These guys are world class, they add something extra to any team in which they play," Dancer said. "Their skill level is huge but the big difference comes in decision-making. They do things pretty much by instinct, on and off the ball. It's very hard to keep them in check, they do everything so quickly. Having them there is not only great for us as a team but also for spectators. I mean how often does this sort of talent come to Wairarapa."
There is also a strong Wairarapa influence in the Capital line-up. Junior Black Sticks Ben Van Woerkom and Trent Lett and Black Sticks development squad member Dane Lett now play their hockey for Wellington-based clubs but it wasn't long ago they were regulars in Wairarapa age group sides and for Dalefield in the Wellington premier division competition.
Dancer makes no secret of his respect for the talents of this trio. "They all have the potential to go right to the very top, there is absolutely no doubt about that."
Central Mavericks are sure to offer Capital stern opposition. Their player-coach Shea McAleese has turned out for the Black Caps on 181 occasions while Nick Wilson, who has close family connections in Masterton, has played 124 internationals. They are the star acts but big things are also expected from Junior Black Sticks Martin Atkinson and Glen Eyres and development squad player Sam Greaney.
"They [Central] are a very good side, you can never take them easily," Sean Dancer said. "It would be nice to get one up on them but I wouldn't think there will be a lot in it."
The two squads are:
Trust House Capital: Alex Shaw, Bart de Vries, Ben Van Woerkom, Blair Hilton, Dane Lett, Grant Down, Herray Miskimmin, Jacob Smith, Jamie Coombes, Jason Hilton, Kyle Pontifax, Matt L'Hullier, Matt Young, Matthew Symonds, Phil Burrows, Stephen Jenness, Tim Gyles, Trent Lett.
Central Mavericks: Nick Wilson, Priyesh Bhana, Martin Atkinson, Robin Smith, Glen Eyres, Gabe Rawcliffe, Ben Collier, Tim Deavin, Shea McAleese, Marius Gemmel, Marcus Emery, Joe Hanks, Steven Crossett, Sam Greaney, Steffan Fastier, Aran Zulusky.
Sunday's big game will get under way at 1pm and members of both teams will also be involved in a training session for local youngsters which will run from 11am to 11.45am. Completing a busy programme will be a match between two of the top local women's teams, Featherston and Dalefield, starting at 2.30pm.