Hockey: Auckland Women, Canterbury Men big winners in Round 4

Auckland's Liz Thompson celebrates scoring. Photo / Heath Johnson

A strong win has seen the Auckland Women stay well in the finals hunt following Round 4 of the Ford National Hockey League in Whangarei.

The defending champions dominated the match with Black Sticks defender Liz Thompson scoring a double from penalty corners, Fiona Burnett picking up a brace and Danielle Jones adding another.

Auckland now sit in second place on the table with 11 points, just behind North Harbour who moved clear at the top on 13 points after defeating the Central Mysticks 2-1.

Central scored the opening goal through captain Michaela Curtis in the 16th minute but saw Harbour reply with two unanswered goals through Stephanie Dickins and Amie Judge to take the result.

The Canterbury Cats kept their finals hopes afloat with a big 4-0 win over last year's runners up Northland. The Cats were in control from the opening whistle with Hannah Hill, Rachel McCann, Bridget Kiddle and Libby Bird on the score sheet.

In Men's results, North Harbour banked two points after a 2-1 shoot-out win over the Central Mavericks following an entertaining match which ended tied at 3-3.

Cory Bennett struck twice with penalty corner flicks while Robbie Capizzi added his seventh goal of the tournament for Harbour. Matt Young, Brennan Alexander-Parker and Martin Atkinson all scored for the Mavericks.

Defending champions the Capital Cobras put together an emphatic performance as they thrashed Auckland 7-1 in their first win of the tournament.

The Cobras controlled possession and took advantage of their opportunities with Phil Roper bagging four goals along with a hat-trick from Dane Lett.

The Canterbury Cavaliers stormed to the top of the table with an emphatic 8-0 result over hosts Northland led by a hat-trick from Sam Lane and a Willie Hayde double.

Monday is a rest day at the Ford National Hockey League in Whangarei before Round 5 fires up on Tuesday.