One of the problems for Wanganui's hockey teams this year has been caused ? ironically ? by one of Palmerston North's two turfs not being available.
Last year it was their own Gonville turf which caused them to have to travel for the first weeks of the tournament, mostly to Palmerston North.
Now they're playing more than their share of games at home because of the replacement of Palmerston North's turf ? but it means they do not get to have a look at future opponents playing on an adjacent turf.
Such is the case today, with Wanganui Tech Old Boys playing Varsity at 2pm, and the Collegians women playing the earlier game against Napier's Akina at 12.30pm.
Neither local side has much idea of their playing opposition ? similarly, of course, for the opposition.
"No, we know nothing," Collegians coach Jan Dixon said. "Akina has lost both its games and they're without last year's player/coach Karen Paewai, who's away with the New Zealand team.
"But we are expecting quite a tough game."
Possibly. Collegians beat HSHC 7-0 in the last match two weeks ago, and that side beat Akina ? but HSHC was missing several usual players last week.
"That was a better effort than the previous match for us," Dixon said. "But there was a bit of panicky stuff and we have to use each other a lot more."
She's going to put key attackers Anna Symes and Kathryn Paul back together and also has the two Collegiate players Pip Symes and Kirsten Benson to provide the young legs.
TCOB will be without attacker Ant Cooper, who will be indulging in his other favourite sport of rally driving ? in the Rally of Hawkes Bay.
He will be replaced by team captain Trent Williamson, who's keen to get back into the attacking area.
"She's going to be a pretty tight game, because they're equal second with us ? to be truthful, we're going into the dark against these guys."
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