Avon through to third division finals

Hockey round up for the week.

CMK Accountants Stratford Avon

CMK Accountants Stratford Avon played Te Kiri Rovers on Friday night in Stratford. Avon had a great game which was very even and friendly. Avon made more of the opportunities and opened the scoring in the first half with a cross across the gold swept in by Doug Russ. Avon kept there tempo into the second half, conceding one goal to Te Kiri in a penalty stroke. Avon then went on to score two more goals another to Doug Russ and a Penalty Corner by Glen Taylor. Final score Avon 3 Te Kiri 1. Players of the day where decided to be Jordan Anderson and Doug Russ. Referees pick was Thomas Instone. Avon are now in the Final for Division 3.

Le Dejeuner Catering Broadway

Le Dejeuner Catering Broadway played its last game of the round against Te Kiri Rangers. This was a game that Broadway needed to win to have any chance of making the finals but Te Kiri had other ideas. Broadway started well but left their passes too late and Te Kiri were able to take advantage of that and scored two goals from penalty corners to be 2-0 up at the break. The second half was much of the same with Broadway trying to make that pass to team mates but Te Kiri were much better on the day to pick up another two goals.

Broadway picked up a late goal by John Noblett from a penalty corner to finish with a 4-1 lost to end Broadways season.

Ethan Lehmann was Broadway's player of the day. Thanks to all Broadways players for the season of hockey and all the best for those teams that made the finals this weekend.

Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford Men's A

The Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford Men's A Team played Northern Gold in New Plymouth. Stratford played an excellent game with many opportunities with lots of attempts coming off resulting in only one goal. Unfortunately Northern Gold were just as determined and posted two of their own. Final score 2-1. Monday night will determine whether the Stratford Men are through to the finals, playing New Plymouth Boys High School for a must win.

CMK Stratford Women's A

Saturday saw the final game of pool play for the Premier women's hockey competition between Northern Gold and CMK Stratford Women's A Hockey Team in New Plymouth. As the two teams had already secured finals spots, it was a relatively meaningless game, with the score irrelevant to the competition standings. The first half saw phases of fantastic play from both teams. Stratford seemed to get going a lot earlier than usual in the game. Harina Rupapera managed to put the ball right in the middle of the goal after easily beating the defense and dragging around the keeper.

Not so long after, Northern were awarded a controversial deflection from outside the circle to even the score. For the remainder of the first half, Northern's attempts at goal were smothered by Stratford's defense, including countless incredible stick saves by Natarsha Hey. After half time however, Northern meant business and made a point of attacking hard - coming away with a successful reverse stick shot from near the baseline, along with a series of penalty corners, two of which were successful, bringing the closing score to 4-1. Player of the day went to Kelsi Bayly, for adapting to a new position, and holding the centre lane throughout the game. CMK Stratford Women's A now looks forward to this weeks final against Northern Gold at 3.30pm on their home turf.

Stuart Bayly Contracting B Women

Stuart Bayly Contracting B Women hockey team played played Te Kiri on Sunday to try and secure a spot in the finals. Stratford got off to a great start and had many attempts on goal but unfortunately could not score off any. Te Kiri went into half time 2-0 up and determined to keep it that way. Stratford had more attempts at goal in the second half but again still couldn't score. Stratford defence held up and kept Te Kiri at 2-0. Player of the day was Phoebe Jury, who showed consistent determination in defence and tried very hard on attack.