Tech College Old Boys feel like the hamster running twice as fast on the spinning wheel just to stay in the same place, after a tough 2-2 stalemate with Marist at Gonville Domain on Saturday.
In the race to scrape together every Manawatu League competition point available ahead of July's semifinals, the game was crucial as both teams are looking to secure at least fourth spot on the ladder.
TCOB coach Langley Atkinson said at this stage, they can absorb the draw better than Marist, who remain about four points behind them with three games remaining.
Still, having a couple of shots on goal in the opening minutes but not pressing that advantage proved costly.
"The first half we had the better of the shots and better of the game, the second half was to-and-fro," Atkinson said.
The injured Kane Watkin and Brad Williamson continue to be missed, although Atkinson said his charges still could have brought it home.
"We had the strike power, there was probably just some lucky little touches from Marist.
"I said to the guys, 'we've got to learn to beat these sides if we want to be in the final'."
After missing their early opportunities, TCOB went 1-0 down before recovering to lead 2-1 at the break, with Junior Black Stick squad member Langley Atkinson getting the second goal.
Massey replied after halftime but neither team could press an advantage before the final whistle.
TCOB have a tough run into the final four, with away games to College and Massey bracketing a local derby match with Rangers.
It was another hard day for the Rangers on a miserable afternoon for hockey over in Palmerston North, as HSHC dealt to them 11-0.
Atkinson said he was pleased with the first-half effort, being only 3-0 down, but as the puddles formed on the sides of the pitch the young Wanganui team's willpower seemed to evaporate.
The HSHC veteran players, used to these conditions, were simply stronger and faster, Atkinson said.
"They picked their game up."
In the women's draw, it was a fantastic family reunion for Collegians as the Symes girls brought the magic in a last-minute 3-2 thriller with Palmerston North Girls' High School.
Manager Kellie Watkin said Junior Black Stick Pip Symes is back in town and the Manawatu League allowed them to register her as a player for the next three weeks.
She joined sister Maggie and mother Anna in a Collegians lineup that desperately needed her.
"We had no subs, the bare 11 players. We had a field player in goalie, she had never been there," said Watkin.
"That was the first time Maggie and Pip have actually played together."
Both sisters scored goals as they went tit-for-tat with PNGHS right up until the final minute with a 2-2 deadlock.
Pouring on the pressure, Collegians trapped the high school students in their circle and forced an own goal.
The win was a turnaround from the disappointing loss in the home derby to TCOB Women.
Collegians also have a tough draw to finish, and Watkin said with a number of players needed for Under 18 representative duty, they may yet not be able to play their last game on July 13 with Massey unless an earlier time than 3pm is agreed upon.
TCOB Women likewise had a hard day in Palmerston North, going down 6-0 to a Massey team beginning to hit their straps.
Manager Ian Glenny said at 1-0 at halftime they still had hope, but then the home team unleashed some strong reverse stick shots.
"They had the best passing game and finishing game. We had a lapse but in fairness, it's hard to score when you're penetrating the half maybe 20-30 per cent of the game."
Cast-iron veteran Anne Stone was asked to fill in on the day and had a blinder, Glenny said.