Imogen Neil dribbling into circle.

Waikato Premier Hockey Report – Week 1

12/04/2013

Vaughan Hilton reporting for Waikato Hockey:

I must admit I was surprised and skeptical that Waikato opted to leave the Midlands Intercity competition and go it alone locally again this year. After 6 games and 44 goals WOW what an opening weekend for the newly formatted local only competition. We saw one sided games during Intercity and we did again his weekend but the intensity shown in week one was a huge step up from last year.

Hamilton Old Boys couldn’t muster a full intercity squad this time last year and relied on a joint venture with Suburbs… this year they recruited back to Hamilton Thames Valley players Wessel Eshuis and Andrew Lock and drew Valley pivot and ex Blackstick midfielder Lloyd Stevenson. Aces players Leo and Te Hai Wells alongside Midlands and British import Steve Smith amongst other newcomers to the newly sponsored Aber Hamilton Old Boys squad proved invaluable in a stunning opening half that saw them convert 8 unanswered goals against a fresh and youthful CBD University Reserve’s side. Leo Wells was the standout in the first half converting four skillfully executed field goals to compliment drag flick specialist Gareth Nuzum’s brace. The other first half scorers were Ashley Finn and HBHS teenager Aidan Sarikara, the latter combining brilliantly with Stephenson in the midfield to create havoc for the students’ defensive structures. Playing predominantly as a sweeper in defense Steve Smith used the half time advantage to let loose in the second spell ranging up field to convert two second half chances and complete the ten nil rout of the University Reserve side. The students showed resilience in defence during the second spell and like last year will improve as the season goes on.

The CBD University Premier Men’s side, lucky to not concede two early goals to CKL Suburbs, also suffered a lack of finishing prowess during a tensely fought first half. Matt Rees-Gibbs broke the deadlock midway through the first spell and Gaurav Correa extended the students advantage prior to the break. The students looked to run away with the game after Lachie Musgrave and Kyle Ostenfeld both converted early in the second half but Suburbs Daniel Scanlon gave his supporters something to cheer about with a quick reply. Rees-Gibbs restored the four goal cushion before Aces imports Jury and Connor Herewini traded goals for their new clubs Suburbs and University respectively.

Fraser Tech found Ecolab Te Awamutu a little less competitive and ran in nine unanswered goals. They led four Nil at the break through first half conversions to Matthew Taylor, Alec Wilson, Zac Woods and Nick Woods. Tech showed scoring prowess throughout with eight players in total scoring, Luke Coxhead, Lloyd McLaughlin, Kendall Nolan, Luke Sinclair, and Zac Woods all found the net during an impressive second half. Coach Sommerville singled out Jimmy Linehan as a standout as provider and link although not finding the net himself.

The standout Women’s match of the day was the first up match between Storage King University Premier Women and Ecolab Te Awamutu. The students struggled to penetrate an experienced Te Awamutu defense for the first quarter but once Emma Andrews broke the deadlock with a well taken field goal the game opened up allowing Libby Bird to follow up with a similarly well taken strike. Andrews and Bird grabbed one more each prior to the break to give the students a handy half time advantage. University were well served in the midfield with Blackstick Cat Pollock (nee Finlayson) and NZ Junior Blackstick Kim Tanner both proving a handful and keeping their forwards busy with a steady supply of quality possession. Te Awamutu regrouped after the break and the ever dangerous Kelly Rowlingson pegged back the four goal advantage on resumption. The students responded immediately through Jess Nesbitt but Te Awamutu again replied with a Chayce Skudder conversion. Andrews completed her hat trick immediately from the restart and the students stretched the lead to six goals after Rachel Smith and Jess Turner both found the back of the Te Awamutu goal. Rowlingson rallied once more for her second but Kim Tanner and Anna Pryde both converted to round off the scoring and an emphatic 10-3 victory.

Imogen Neil dribbling into circle.

Imogen Neil penetrating goalie Debi Gallagher’s circle in the Fraser Tech White’s 2-0 win over Suburbs.

New comers to Premier Hockey McWhannell Roofing Suburbs gave the more fancied Fraser Tech White a torrid workout. Ex Blackstick Kate Mahon and goal tender Debi Gallagher were inspirational in defense for Suburbs whilst Kate Kernaghan capped off a fine all round game with the opening score for Tech. Lizzie Travis extended the first half advantage for the Robyn Polley coached side who had to split their resources this year with Tech fielding two Premier sides. Suburbs showed tremendous spirit and fought resiliently throughout and kept the dangerous Tech side scoreless throughout the second half to give the newcomers a sense of belief for forthcoming games.

Fraser Tech Blue mirrored the score of their White team when downing a plucky Hamilton Old Girls 2 Nil. Tech goal scorers were Stacey Tomich and Shannon Cochrane.