Victory over last year's victors a boost for Northland

Northland women had a successful first hit-out in their lead-up to September's National Hockey League tournament, defeating North Harbour 2-0.
Securing a win over last year's NHL winners so early in their campaign was a boost for Northland, who boast a classy line-up with Black Sticks Anna Thorpe and Charlotte Harrison upfront and Ella Gunson slotted in behind them.
Striker Jade McLeod said the game was not bad for a first outing together.
"We still have a lot of stuff to work on ... we are a young team and our younger players need to get a bit more confidence," she said about Sunday's game at North Harbour.
North Harbour were missing Northland sisters Stacey and Carli Michelsen, who were rested before travelling to the United States for the Junior World Cup with the Junior Black Sticks.
"North Harbour weren't too bad - they had a few players missing ... they will be stronger team when they return," McLeod said.
Several of the Northland under-16 girls who recently claimed the national title, were also selected for the NHL side including Samaria Tugaga, Svea Hinnueber, Elley Miller, Chelsea Beasley, Ashleigh Malcolm and Hannah Nink. While not all of them played on Sunday, those that did make the turf, stepped up, McLeod said. Nink and Thorpe were in great form for Northland, scoring their goals.
Northland's next pre-NHL match is this Sunday against Auckland, who were second in last year's competition.
In Whangarei women's premier hockey, Whangarei Old Girls won their clash against Kamo High School 4-1, with goals from Tess McAlister, Nicky Hayes, Laura Douglas and Julie Crum, while Jacqui Cole grabbed one for Kamo.
Whangarei Girls' High School beat Maungakaramea 1-0, with Aimee Hayes hitting the only goal.
In the men's premier division, Maungakaramea defeated Springfield 7-6 to win the final of the eight-a-side competition, while Mangapai thrashed Bream Bay United 23-0 to take third.
The men switch back to their 11-a-side competition this weekend.