The Central Mavericks play North Harbour in the men's bronze medal match at the Ford National Hockey League finals in Whangarei today.
The Mavericks beat Auckland 3-1 yesterday to finish fourth in round robin play. Matt Young scored two goals for Central and Martin Atkinson the other to move up to first equal top goal scorer with today's play remaining.
Defending champions, the Capital Cobras, were in early contention for bronze with a 9-2 victory against hosts Northland, before the Mavericks powered back in their game. The Canterbury Cavaliers take on Midlands in today's final.
Midlands pipped North Harbour by a superior number of outright wins to secure their final berth. Midlands beat the Cavaliers 3-2 yesterday after racing out to an early 2-0 lead.
Canterbury pulled one back late in the third quarter through Dominic Newman before Midlands opened a 3-1 buffer with Stolk completing his double in the 47th minute. Nick Haig slotted home from a penalty corner for Canterbury soon after but the Cavaliers were unable to find an equalising goal.
