Player-coach Greg Nicol got a hat-trick as the Hawke's Bay men's hockey team beat Taranaki 5-1 in a Central League clash in Palmerston North on Sunday.
Adam Simkin and Charlie Jenkins scored the Bay's other goals. The Bay made a slow start and were a goal down after 15 minutes.
Taranaki played
a physical and direct game but once Hawke's Bay's key midfielders found their rhythm their side were always going to dictate. Centre midfielder Regan Loach controlled play well and with Jenkins and Neil Skelly provided the strikers with plenty of opportunities.
The Bay have a two-week spell before playing Wanganui A on May 1. A win in this fixture should secure Nicol's troops a semifinal.
Hawke's Bay's women's side lost their match against Taranaki 3-1. Marie Emerson scored the Bay's goal in the game which was also played in Palmerston North on Sunday.
