Hockey clash: rivalry set to bring out best in top two

Here’s Lucy . . . YMP A’s Lucy McHugh about to be challenged by YMP B’s Cynthia Fleming in a Poverty Bay women’s club hockey game on the turf at Harry Barker Reserve. McHugh was in goal-scoring form last weekend — netting five against Paikea — and will be on the hunt for more when the reigning champs take on arch-rivals GMC Green tonight. Picture by Paul Rickard

The top two men’s teams took centre stage in the hockey round last weekend and tonight it will be the turn of the top two women’s teams in what will be another replay of last year’s grand finals.

GMC Green and defending champions YMP A match up on the Hain Farming Turf at Harry  Barker Reserve at 6pm.

The men delivered the tight, hard-fought game of the season to date last Friday night, and the women can be expected to do the same tonight.

“YMP showed a bit of attacking flair last week against Paikea,” said hockey commentator Tony Scragg.

“But neither team have been at their brilliant best so far this season.

“Tonight might be the night for that to happen; certainly the contest will bring out the best in both sides.”

The Paikea Pinkies will want to get into the winners’ circle in the game that follows at 7.30pm tonight, and they should do so against Te Aowera.

“Paikea are down a bit lower on the table than they would like at this point of the season, and they will want the three points tonight,” Scragg said.

“TA have shown us early that they can defend well, and it will take a good Paikea side to put them away.”

Gisborne Girls’ High School and YMP B got the weekend started last night.

The result in that match will be part of next week’s wrap-up in The Herald.

Tomorrow’s play begins at 12.30pm when GMC Kowhai take on PGG Wrightson Ngatapa.

“That’s certainly the second best women’s’ game of the round,” Scragg said.

“Ngatapa will still be hurting from their loss to YMP B, so expect them to come out firing.

“On the other hand, they always bring out the best in GMC Kowhai, so it’s a game that could go either way.”

The men own the turf after that. At 2pm, Lytton Old Boys Traktion take on Gisborne Boys’ High School.

“That should be a one-sided affair in Traktions’ favour,” Scragg said.

“But did the LOB team use all their energy in last weekend’s draw with YMP A? We will have to wait and see.

“Fitness could be a key to the winning or losing of this match.

“Do not write the students off.”

The 3.30pm game will see YMP A playing the Lytton Old Boys Resene Masters.

“The Masters will know there’s no fairytale ending likely, but they will give the game a good go.

“A double-figure scoreline for YMP A can be expected. They’re a good side.”

The final game of the weekend, at 5pm tomorrow, pits Waituhi against YMP B.

“This is the men’s game of the round, I reckon,” Scragg said.

“Both sides go into it off draws last weekend.

“Waituhi might have the edge but YMP B have had good numbers of players so far, and will make a real game of it.”