Hockey: Gunson return to lift team

The return of Black Stick Ella Gunson is bound to buoy her Maungakaramea side ahead of this weekend's semifinal qualifier against Whangarei Girls' High School.

However, Maungakaramea coach Mark Thorne is adamant Gunson will not change the fortune of his side's season so far.

"We're not expecting her to do marvellous things, [we just want her] to fit in and play well," Thorne explained. "At the end of the day you should never build a team around one player, you can never rely on one. [Not to mention] one player can't win a game of hockey, the whole team has to step up and win as a team.

"It is good to have her in the side, that's for sure, and she has gelled in quite nicely with the girls. But, like I say, we don't have any added pressure on her, we just want her to play hockey well for the team."

The soon-to-be 24-year-old Gunson has returned to Whangarei from Boston where she was studying.

It is potentially an invaluable move for a Maungakaramea side which has struggled to find a winning grove this season.

Thorne added that while it is good to have Gunson back, no one can say his side has won the match before it has been played as the coach expects it to be a tight one.

"When it comes down to finals, no one has won the game until the final whistle. You have to go in with the mental status of putting in the effort, because if they want it more than you they'll take it.

"The biggest thing with the girls is you don't get a second chance next week, [but] in a way, as far as your mental standing goes, knowing you have to win gives them a lot of motivation.

"I've got faith they'll make the final."

All other premier women's teams have this weekend off, with the winner of the Girls' High v Maungakaramea clash to join the top three women's teams in next weekend's semifinals.