Collegians a surprise for leaders

Collegians had a real arm wrestle with Hockey Manawatu Club Competition women's leaders College on Saturday, the 1-1 draw something of an upset on the Palmerston North turf.

Manager Kellie Watkin said her team was missing two key backs, but the playing field was levelled by the top Manawatu side having players away with the Central Under-21 representative team.

"We were under the pump the whole game," she said. "We certainly took our chances, but to have a draw with them was really good."

Good goal keeping saved a number of dangerous situations in the first half, then with about 20 minutes to go, Collegians took the advantage through a score by Jessica Watkins.

College replied with 10 minutes left but neither side could score the matchwinner.

After last week's disappointing 1-0 loss to Palmerston North Girls, Watkin was pleased the team played more collectively to deny the competition heavyweights.

For the developing Tech College Old Boys women's team, it was the first time some of them had played on a water turf, going down to HSHC 5-1.

"We were in the game right up to half time," said manager Ian Glenny. "Things just got away on us in the second half."

Katherine Paul scored 'Techno's' sole goal to leave her team with a sniff at 2-1 down by the break, but HSHC pulled away in the second stanza.

Results: Central Hockey League: Wanganui men beat Taranaki 3-1; Wanganui women beat Taranaki 3-2.

Hockey Manawatu Club Competition Men: TCOB beat Rangers 7-2; Women: Collegians drew with College 1-1, TCOB women lost to HSHC 5-1.