A 1-1 draw between Whangarei heavyweights Springfield and Old Girls indicates just how close this club hockey season will be.
Springfield had a 1-0 advantage over the 2011 premiers at halftime of Friday's second-round clash. Aleyse Emirali slotted the first goal of the match, snatching the rebound off a penaltycorner to find the back of the goal, and put Springfield in front.
Springfield maintained the lead for most of the match, with Black Stick Alana Millington working tirelessly in defence, along with New Zealand development player Kelsey Dunn. The pair lined up in the midfield and worked hard to contain former Black Stick Laura Douglas, who was playing right-midfield. Springfield took their chances, and made several shots on goal, but Old Girls' goalie Karen Parker was on her game, making quality saves.
With less than 10 minutes remaining in the match, Douglas finally broke through the Springfield defence and managed to put away a goal, also off a PC to equalise, and draw the game.
While it was not a win, Springfield coach Angeline Waetford was pleased with the outcome, and her team's performance.
"We dominated in the first half, and tied Laura Douglas up for most of it but they came back at us in the second half as we began to tire," Waetford said.
Millington has been a key defender for Springfield in the first two games of the season, but will now head to Auckland to train with the Black Sticks ahead of their series against the visiting Japan side, as part of their preparation for the Four Nations tournament, featuring India, Australia, New Zealand and USA, in New Zealand.
"Although we lose Alana now, I think the squad is looking pretty good for the season, and it will be a bit closer than last year, with the school teams coming through," Waetford added.
Whangarei Girls High School lost narrowly (1-0) to Maungakaramea, while Hikurangi defeated Kamo High School 4-0. Springfield men continued their good start to the season defeating Mangapai 4-0. Bream Bay beat Maungakaramea, 2-1.
