CMK Stratford Women's A hockey team starts season with good win

Matthew & Co Real Estate Stratford B Women's hockey team came up against Te Kiri Women for their first game of the 2019 season.

After a quick-fire goal in the opening minutes from Te Kiri, Stratford settled and regained their composure. Defending well and having the odd run at attack; Stratford let no more goals in the first half.

Early in the third quarter after a strong attacking phase, Kelly Larsen snuck a goal in for Stratford. Te Kiri fired straight back to make it 2-1.

Stratford defended well for the remainder of the game and were unlucky to not score off a PC in the final quarter. Final score 2-1 to Te Kiri. Player of the day went to Luci Haami for showing some great skills and composure under pressure. A great first game for the girls.

The CMK Stratford Avon Men's Team came up against Te Kiri Rovers. Playing together for the first time, many of the team had not experienced men's hockey before.

Te Kiri put on a good show to keep Avon hunting for the goal line. Half time meant one team was going to have to step up and Stratford did exactly that.

Even though the pace was slowing down, the determination was still there. Unfortunately, Te Kiri kept on sliding away some sneaky goals to go for the win 6-0.

Player of the Day went to Harry Black.

The Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford Men's A side started the season with a clash against the clubs second men's team, Broadway.

It is always a challenging fixture when two teams from the same club meet, the early season game saw both sides operating with no subs.

Curtis Boyde enjoyed some freedom up front and converted a number of opportunities. Scott Williams was controlling in the midfield, leading well into space and creating some great transitions when the team looked to switch through the centre.

Unfortunately for Broadway, despite playing some very positive hockey and continuing to compete, as the game progressed the superior fitness and experience in the A side started to show. Final score 14-0.

The CMK Stratford Women's A team played Apex Women's.

With a new season came a new look team. In the first half everybody worked well as a team and slotted in some great team goals.

In the second half, once again, the team vibe was positive and hard work prevailed with some great passages of play, working the ball all the way from the back to the front. Final score 11-0.

Player of the day was shared between Alex Shearman and Chloe Sampson.

■ Games this week: Friday: A Women vs Hāwera A at 6.30pm, A Men vs Hāwera at 8.00pm. Saturday in Stratford: B Women vs Hāwera B at 1.30pm, Avon vs Northern Wolves at 3.00pm, Broadway vs NPOB A Men at 4.30pm.