Vaughan Hilton reporting for Waikato Hockey:
Aber Hamilton Old Boy’s showed composure to secure a final’s spot in the first Men’s Semi Final by downing CBD University in a sudden death shootout played Saturday. In the match of the day both sides showed plenty of attacking enterprise and traded goals throughout with the sides locked up 3 all after normal time. University’s Connor Herewini bagged a brace with Jitesh Sima also converting whilst Old Boys countered with goals to Aidan Sarikara, Steve Smith, and Troy Smith. The wet conditions proved a good foil for the respective goal keepers during the shootout with 7 of 10 attempts thwarted and Old Boys prevailing 2-1 in the shootout. They will play next weeks final against the form side during the round robin stage Fraser Tech who downed a plucky CKL Suburbs unit 6-1 in the other Semi Final. Suburbs took it to Tech and gained the initial advantage when Daniel Scanlon opened the scoring. Zac Woods gained parity for Tech and Elijah Graham gave them the lead. A card issuing blitz from umpire Tim Woods saw Suburbs reduced to 8 men allowing Tech to grab a stranglehold on the game. They led 3-1 at the interval when Lloyd McLaughan scored a classy goal from a well work attacking foray. Suburbs continued to entertain the crowd with an attacking and fast flowing style and will rue the lack of PC conversions during the second half. Tech on the other hand scored goals as fast as the yellow cards were issued with McLaughlin bagging his second and Luke & Heath Sinclair completing the scoring. Suburbs Coach Truman Wee was visibly disappointed at the severity in which the match officials dealt with his sides indiscretions but should be pleased with the manner in which his often depleted side contested the game against the top seeds.
In the 5th v 6th playoff match Admore Promotions University reversed their round robin loss to Ecolab Te Awamutu with a hard fought 4-3 win.
In the Women’s semi finals Fraser Tech’s White team proved too strong against Tech Blue in a one sided contest. Scoring three unanswered goals in each half Tech White advance to the final with Shiloh Gloyn grabbing a hat trick Imogen Neil a brace and Kate Kernaghan completing the rout. They will play title favourites Storage King University who were pushed to the final whistle by a resilient and vastly improved Hamilton Old Girls unit. Reversing their round robin strategy, Old Girls played a more expansive and often attacking styled game forcing the students into uncharacteristic errors. The sides traded first half goals through University’s standout player Cat Pollock and Old Girls Karen Matthews. The students struggled to find the rhythm shown during qualifying games and missed their NZ U21 reps Kim Tanner and Brooke Neal from the midfield. Libby Bird sealed the 2-1 win for University in the only second half scoring. Ecolab Te Awamutu women took out 5th spot downing McWhannell Roofing Suburbs 3-0.
Huge thanks to Hymie Gill, Christina Strawbridge, and Jo Luckin for filling in the gaps during my absence.