Thursday evening was another tough outing for the Stratford women's A hockey team against a quality Northern team.
Stratford started strong with an early goal but couldn't put together the defensive effort needed to keep them at bay.
However, they are clear on what they need to work on for when they meet them again this week in the all-important semifinal.
On Friday in New Plymouth, Stratford men's A came up against top of the table New Plymouth Old Boys (NPOB).
This game was a chance to make it into the top position, with an automatic step into the final.