FINE TUNE: Dalefield keeper Fletcher Phillips warms up his concentration levels for the game with a spot of juggling.
FINE TUNE: Dalefield keeper Fletcher Phillips warms up his concentration levels for the game with a spot of juggling.
MARQUIS Dalefield have maintained their unbeaten run in Wellington Premier Men's hockey with two wins over the weekend.
On Saturday, Dalefield had a convincing 4-0 win over Harbour City. Although they completely dominated the first half, it wasn't until the 30th minute that defender Chris Mason pushed forward into thecircle and fired a ball across the goal mouth that was deflected in off a Harbour City player. In the second half, Dalefield better capitalised on their chances with goals to Hamish Finlayson, Dane Lett and Ben van Woerkom. Rowan Yeo, Tane Workman, Ben van Woerkom and Dane Lett all stood out with their work rate on attack and defence. Defenders Cody Linton, Trent Lett and Jackson Kibblewhite were strong at the back, shutting out the Harbour City forwards.
On Sunday, Dalefield took on second-placed Hutt in a top-of-the-table clash at Clareville. The game was played at a fast pace with both teams having chances but it was Dalefield's Yeo, who broke the deadlock just before halftime. Dalefield continued to apply pressure, but it was Hutt who scored next when Olie Logan scored from a penalty corner.
Goals to Joseph Robertson and Workman gave Dalefield a 3-1 lead. Logan again scored from a penalty corner for Hutt and, with five minutes to go, Robertson netted his second to restore the two-goal lead. Hutt threw everything into attack and were rewarded with another penalty corner, which Logan converted with two minutes to go. Dalefield showed good composure to close out the game winning 4-3.
The Dalefield forwards led by Yeo always looked dangerous on the fast breakout but struggled at times to convert their chances. Dane Lett controlled the midfield with Workman again in good form. Trent Lett, Dan van Woerkom, Phil Arkell, Mason and Chris Horwell were all strong on defence. Particularly pleasing was the effort of younger players Morgan Taylor, Gus Wakeling and Zac Caldwell.
