Hockey: Women's race wide open, men on target

Recently retired international Di Weavers (left) is starring for Midlands, who are leading the competition on points difference. Picture / John Borren

Two rounds to play and the top four race in the women's national league remains wide open with no team assured of a spot in next week's play-offs.

Midlands, inspired by recently-retired Black Sticks defender Di Weavers, have emerged from the pack to head into today's penultimate round of pool matches as the surprise leaders on goal difference.

With just the two bottom-placed teams to play - Northland in Tauranga this afternoon and struggling Wellington in Wednesday's last round in the capital - Midlands are a shoo-in to go into Friday's semifinals as top qualifier.

North Harbour face the biggest challenge. They have an away game against previous leaders Canterbury, beaten for the first time last weekend in Auckland, in Christchurch today and a final hit-out against the improved Southern side midweek.

Harbour hold fourth place - a point back from joint front-runners Midlands, Canterbury and Central - but have a tougher run in than Auckland who are a point back.

Auckland play Wellington at Lloyd Elsmore Park today and Central on Wednesday.

The men's semifinal race is all but over. With three teams already assured of their places, only the finishing order needs to be determined.

A point from today's away game against Canterbury would have North Harbour in the box seat to take top spot.

With a perfect winning record in their first five matches, Harbour are three points clear of Wellington and Canterbury. The Darren Smith-coached Harbour side meet Southern in their last round-robin match in Wellington on Thursday before Saturday's semifinals.

Canterbury coach Grant Edwards, with only four of the 16 players from last season's Challenge Shield-winning side lining up this season, expects a tough game against a North Harbour side who have stung opposition teams with their pace and attacking flair.

"They are the form team and we can expect a real battle," said Edwards.

"I thought, despite winning, it was a poor game overall against Auckland last week. We will need to pick up from that."

While praising Andrew Gardiner for three successful drag flicks from penalty corner opportunities in their 5-4 win over Auckland, Edwards said he still had some way to go to match [unavailable] Hayden Shaw.

"We have changed our penalty corner set-up and it seems to be working," said Edwards. In the other key match of today's round, Auckland are at home to Wellington with Auckland needing a point to cement a top four finish.

Playing their fourth game of the season at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Auckland, like Canterbury, will need to pick up their game. The first half of last Sunday's game was very ordinary with just one goal.

The return of Black Sticks defender Richard Petherick has helped Auckland and, although New Zealand striker Simon Child failed to score in his first game back, he will be expected to lead the charge against a Wellington side who started strongly.