Hockey: Tough tussle for top of table clash

Expect sparks to fly as Springfield clash with Maungakaramea in a top of the table Northland men's premier hockey game on Saturday.

Maungakaramea have been the only side to defeat Springfield this season but that was way back in the third round and they are hopeful of reproducing that sort of form again in the 12.20pm game.

"There's no doubt Springfield have played well this season but we've beaten them before and if we can pull finger this weekend, we can do it again," Maungakaramea co-coach John Child said.

Mangapai will be hoping for their first win of the season against third-placed Bream Bay after an encouraging performance against Springfield in their last outing.

Mangapai played well in the first spell before being outclassed in the second half and they will be hoping for more of the same this week in their match at 1.50pm.

In the women's premier competition, Maungakaramea will be hoping to get more out of this week's game against second-placed Springfield when they play in the first women's premier match at 3.20pm.

Maungakaramea were the better team for much of the game against leaders Old Girls last week but were pipped at the post and will be hoping they can mount a 70-minute challenge for the points.

Kamo High School have it all ahead of them against a Whangarei Girls' High School side hitting their straps but are showing signs of improvement and are less likely to be overawed.

The final match of the round features Old Girls against Hikurangi, with the leaders favourites to continue their winning streak after Hikurangi were beaten by WGHS last week.