Rogers' hat-trick inspires big win

A hat-trick from Hora Hora's Mike Rogers in their 6-0 win over Kamo High School helped to advance his team into second place in the reserve men's hockey competition.

Hora Hora coach Jo Smith praised Rogers scoring ability, saying: "he's just got an eye for the goal."

Rogers converted two field goals with deft touches and scored one from a penalty corner variation.

Smith said she was pleased with the whole team's performance.

"We've been practicing stick to stick passing and making space on the field and they did that really well."

In what was a fairly one-sided match on Thursday night, Hora Hora spent the majority of the game on attack and were able to convert their opportunities against the school team struggling with illness and absence.

The scoreline gave Hora Hora a better goal difference than their close rivals Springfield and Bream Bay, who are all on nine points - one point back from competition leaders Whangarei Boys' High School.

In other reserve men's matches, the fitter Boys' High team were able to hold on to their top spot with a second half comeback to draw 3-all with Mangapai.

In a rematch of last year's final, Springfield were able to get the better of Maungakaramea 3-2 while Bream Bay had the bye.

In the reserve A women's competition on Friday, Old Girls showed their prowess, beating Mangapai 11-1.

Maungakaramea got up over Parihaka 3-0 while Springfield beat Kamo High School 5-1 and Hikurangi beat Whangarei Girls' High School 5-0.