Hockey: Drag flick specialists could hold key

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Love it or hate it, the drag flick plays a vital role in deciding a high percentage of top-level matches.

It has become an art form, and Canterbury and New Zealand representative Hayden Shaw is the undoubted master.

But he might not be alone in playing the dominant role in this weekend's Lion Foundation National League playoffs.

David Kosoof (North Harbour) and Wellington's James Nation have emerged as other genuine drag flick specialists. With the tightly bunched pack after section play, the penalty corner promises to be a key component in finding the 2003 champions.

Wellington, unbeaten with a perfect record in pool play, meet North Harbour in the second of today's semifinals in Wellington.

Earlier Auckland, who finished second on a countback despite losing their last pool match, to North Harbour on Thursday night, will play Canterbury.

The winners will meet in tomorrow's final.

In the women's semifinals, Wellington, unbeaten but held to a surprise 2-2 draw by Northland in their final match, will meet Manawatu in one semifinal, and Canterbury, whose only loss was to Wellington, will meet North Harbour in the other.

In the playoffs for fifth this afternoon, the Northland men will play Midland Express, and in the women's contest, Auckland, with only one win in pool play, meet Northland.

* New Zealand representatives Phillip Burrows (Wellington) and Di Weavers (Canterbury) were last night named the New Zealand players of the year at the national league dinner in Wellington.