Defending champions Auckland were in ominous form in both the men's and women's competition's in today's opening round of the National Hockey League.
The Auckland women showed why they are again favourites to take the K Cup as they demolished Northland 7-1 in Whangarei. Leading 4-0 at the break, Auckland
continued their domination in the second spell with former Black Stick Jan Rowsell controlling the midfield.
The women's feature match of the day was in Hamilton, where Midlands and North Harbour were all square at 1-1 at fulltime leaving the match requiring a penalty shootout. The shootout was even at 4-4 before North Harbour's Carli Michelsen was pushed wide with her effort and Shiloh Gloyn knocked in the winner for the home side.
In Wellington, the home side Capital held out a fast-finishing Central team to take a 3-2 win. Capital took a 3-0 lead in the second spell before late goals to player-coach Caryn Paewai and Michaela Curtis gave Central a chance, but Capital managed to hold on for the win.
In the final women's game, Canterbury had a comfortable 4-1 victory over Southern in Timaru with Olivia Merry knocking in a hat trick.
