Hockey: Challenge Cup lost but reclaimed within days

Team members with the Premier Women's Challenge Shield.

Le Dejeuner Catering Stratford Broadway hockey played New Plymouth Boys High School 1st XI on Friday.

Broadway, holders of the Premier Men's Challenge Cup at the time, struggled to keep up with the pace of a young, fit side. NPBHS dominated the goal circle and scored three quick goals before quarter time. Isa Butler-Mather gained a goal back from a shot on goal from a penalty corner but NPBHS continued to control the game until the whistle, handing over the Challenge Cup. Player of the day went to Butler-Mather.

On Saturday, the Matthew & Co Real Estate Stratford B Women played an outstanding game against Apex. The girls played brilliantly as a team, putting skills into practice. Score was 4-2. Player of the day went to Rebecca Sherie.

The CMK Women's A team took on the Northern Wildcats.

From the first whistle Stratford attacked well, the girls kept composed on defence and marking was strong. In the first quarter, Lara Williams scored off a set penalty corner and a field goal in the third. Wildcats got a few penalty corners in a row in the fourth quarter only scoring one, leaving it 2-1 to Stratford. Player of the day went Mia MacGregor and Demi Ward.

Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford A Men played top of the table New Plymouth Old Boys side.

Despite a strong start, Stratford struggled to score in the opening minutes. NPOB came back midway through the first quarter to score first. After a defensive error, Stratford was 2-0 down.

In the second quarter Stratford scored from a penalty corner, but Old Boys were able to stretch the lead to 3-1.

In the third quarter Stratford closed the gap to 3-2 before Old Boys grabbed another goal. Stratford came back in the fourth quarter but were not able to break Old Boys defence. Final score 4-3.

On Sunday, Brian Darth Funeral Services Stratford A played a deferred game against New Plymouth Boys High School. Stratford did not start well, leaking an early goal, but they piled on the pressure and equalised soon after.

The second quarter had a score of 3-2 by the end, and Stratford continued the pressure, with a final score of 8-2, and the return of the Challenge Cup.

CMK Stratford Avon Men's team played Te Kiri Rovers. Both teams put on an entertaining game. However, Te Kiri went one up over Avon 4-3. Player of the day went to Adam Sampson.

Games this week:

In Stratford on Friday – A Women vs Hāwera at 6.30pm

In Stratford on Saturday – Broadway vs Te Kiri Rovers at 1.30pm, B Women vs Hāwera at 3pm, Avon vs Masters at 4.30pm.

In New Plymouth on Saturday – A Men vs Northern Raptors at 4.45pm.