HOCKEY - Champs face big struggle

Mangakaramea are the favourites to finish top of the Northland women's premier hockey competition after tomorrow's final round.
Maungakaramea lead champions Whangarei Girls' High School by just two points but the two teams face very different opponents in their final matches.
Girls' High have to expect a major struggle against Old Girls at 6.50pm, with both teams likely to play each other in the semifinal in two weeks. Clearly there is a chance to try out tactics for that game but Girls' High will also want to win.
If they can, and should the unthinkable happen and Maungakaramea lose or draw to United-Kawakawa in the late shift start at 8.20pm, then Girls' High have a chance at claiming the top spot and will play fourth-placed Hikurangi-Parihaka in the semis in two weeks.
Kamo High School take on Hikurangi at 5.20pm with Kamo likely to try and prove how far they've improved this season in their final league match of the season.
Mangapai have their last shot at finishing their season on top as they take on league leaders Maungakaramea tonight in the penultimate round of the men's premier competition at 7.20pm.
Maungakaramea lead by four points, so Mangapai need a win if they want lead the rest of the competition into semifinals on September 1.
Springfield could also move up a spot, when they play Bream Bay United at 1.50pm tomorrow. They trail Mangapai by just one point and a win could see them move up and put pressure on the leaders in the final round of round robin games next weekend.
The Northland men's team host North Harbour on Sunday at 3pm, in their first real test under manager Paul Snelling. Harbour have a hugely talented side and last year's beaten finalists will be looking to go one better this year.