The news of Martin Atkinson's elevation to national level came on a great weekend for Wanganui representative hockey as the men's and women's teams beat Taranaki on Sunday.
Earning Central Hockey League payback in Palmerston North after they were both defeated on April 21 in New Plymouth, the men took firm control of their matchup for a 3-1 win, while the Wanganui women pulled out two straight goals in the back end of their match for a 3-2 victory.
Men's manager Bryce Balsley said again Wanganui got out of the blocks well with first-half goals to Bryce McKenzie and Josh McDonnell.
"We got off to a good start, a flat spell in the last 15 minutes let Taranaki bang one goal in," Balsley said.
However, unlike in New Plymouth when Taranaki ran them down with three second-half goals, this time Wanganui's defence held true.
Matthew Fordward scored early in the second stanza for a 3-1 advantage and his team did not let Taranaki back in the frame.
Balsley said McKenzie played well up front, while Reid Atkinson in the midfield and captain Craig Ratini also had big games.
It was an excellent effort for the team who were playing without Reid's brother, Martin, or Kane Watkin, who were on Central U21 duty.
Wanganui women turned around a 5-2 loss in April to put away Taranaki this time and draw level with them on the CHL points table in third an outside chance of a finals appearance if they can upset Hawkes Bay on their own turf this weekend.
Manager Kellie Watkin said Taranaki got an early goal but the young players in the Wanganui side stood up and played with more consistency.
"It pretty much went they scored, we scored."
Danielle Hanson got the first goal, and Wanganui swung around a 2-1 deficit when Melissa Hylton and Beth Norman found a way through.
In Saturday's Manawatu Club Competition, the Tech College Old Boy's men brought their experience to bear against the young Rangers outfit, four goals in the first half setting up a 7-2 win in the local derby.
TCOB's stand-in coach Trent Williamson said his team did miss some opportunities, namely "going to sleep" for 15 minutes each half, although much of Tech and Rangers tactics cancelled each other out.
"They are playing similar structures because they're both coached by the same coach [Langley Atkinson]."
Nonetheless, it was much improved effort from last week's loss to College.
"I was much more impressed, we had 12 circle penetrations and we scored four goals and got two penalty corners," Williamson said.
A shoulder injury to TCOB's Brad Williamson left his team with just one reserve, which coupled with Rangers renewed drive led to a more even 3-2 second stanza.
Balsley, Rangers manager, said similar to last week with Marist it was letting their opposition away early which inflated the scoreline.
"More experience, bigger guys."
He singled out Sam Collins, Josh Rainey, Tyler Manville and Lee Moir for good second-half play.
Patrick Reynolds scored a hat trick for TCOB, with Josh McDonnell, Matt Ford, Brett Puklowski and Bryce McKenzie also getting on the sheet.
Rangers goal scorers were Connor Mill and Ryan Balsley.
Turn to Page 26 for results of the women's Manawatu Club competition games.