Otumoetai beat Suburbs in Intercity Hockey

Goalie Isla Johnson was in top form for Mount Maunganui. Photo / File

A come-from-behind win by Otumoetai men over Suburbs was the highlight in Intercity Hockey at Tauranga on Saturday.

Hamilton's Suburbs scored first from Nathan Brake after 20 minutes and carried that lead to the half-time break. In the second half Otumoetai hit their stride with bustling striker Connor Garner scoring a field goal and following up three minutes later with a drag-flick conversion of a penalty corner.

Suburbs structure and teamwork fell away, allowing Otumoetai to collect another goal 10 minutes from time; a centre hit from the left corner of the turf across the circle was expertly deflected into the goal by Paul Davis.

Otumoetai captain Hugh Gilmer stood out in his team's 3-1 victory, while Russell Beales was prominent for Suburbs.

At Rotorua, BOP Indians were too strong for Tauranga Old Boys, dominating their opponents 5-1.

In the women's Intercity Championship, Mt Maunganui hosted Hamilton Old Girls and found the visitors more of a handful than expected. Old Girls dominated territory and possession in the first half but were unable to breach the Mount goal, with keeper Isla Johnson being called on to make several good saves.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Kaitlyn Laird scored for Old Girls from a penalty corner lay-off. Mount replied almost immediately with a PC goal by Gemma Lucas, then took the lead with a stylish field goal from Abbie Johnston.

Late in the match Bethany Millar finished off a PC to extend Mt Maunganui's lead, then Shanae Taylor scored for Old Girls to close the margin to 3-2. Mount were happy to finish ahead and continue their unbeaten run this season.

Meanwhile in Hamilton, University women's team walloped Otumoetai 8-0.

Results
Women
Mt Maunganui 3 Hamilton Old Girls 2, HT 0-0; University 8 Otumoetai 0; Fraser Tech 8 Rotorua Aces 0; Te Awamutu 4 Waiau Pa 2; Marist 2 Suburbs 0.
Men pool A
BOP Indians 5 Tauranga Old Boys 1; Collegians 4 Te Awamutu 2; Rotorua Aces 4 Waiau Pa 2; University — bye.
Men pool B
Otumoetai 3 Suburbs 1, HT 0-1; Pukekohe Indians 1 Kohekohe 0; Fraser Tech 6 Onewhero 2; Hamilton Old Boys — bye