To the squeal of wheels and the thud of a hard rubber ball slamming into the boards, the New Zealand roller hockey championships spun into action at Wanganui's Jubilee Stadium yesterday.
Though something of a minority sport there are only four clubs, Wanganui, Wellington, Papatoetoe and New Plymouth, taking part- it doesn't lack for action or skill as five-strong teams tackle hockey on roller skates.
The three-day event is being contested at four levels premier, division 2, youth and women, and pee-wee, which means for 10 years and under for boys and 12 and under for girls.
Papatoetoe are reigning champs, but Wanganui, having won four of five premier tournaments this year, might fancy their chances on their own patch. After yesterday's games and an official opening ceremony last night, play resumes this morning at 8.30am, running though to 7.50pm. The semifinals and finals are tomorrow, with the championship decider at 2pm followed by prizegiving.
