Coasters, Dalefield battle to 3 3 draw

The feature Wairarapa division one women's hockey match between East Coast and Dalefield at Clareville on Saturday lived up to expectations with a 3-3 draw.
It was the Coasters who scored the first goal with striker Justine Robertson finding the net, only to see Dalefield quickly reply with a goal to their star player Ana Playle.
East Coast then put their noses in front for a second time when Robertson converted a penalty corner but again Dalefield struck back, this time through Lisa-Marie Ireland.
Dalefield had the opportunity to take the lead just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty stroke but East Coast goalie Paulette Hall pulled off a crucial save.
The second spell turned into a hard-fought affair with neither team giving an inch on defence. However, East Coast capitalised through one breakaway which ended with Robertson sending the ball wide to an unmarked Sonya Hume, who calmly slotted the goal.
With just minutes left, the odds were favouring an East Coast upset but Dalefield responded to the challenge with a last-ditch effort that produced a penalty corner. This was converted into a goal by Ana Playle to make it 3-3.
Red Star and Red Star White had an entertaining tussle on the Trust House water turf, with Red Star winning 4-2 despite being kept on their toes by a White side who were all hustle and bustle.
Featherston had the bye this weekend and the current points table is: Dalefield 28, Featherston 26, Red Star 18, East Coast 16 and Red Star White 3.
The final series of matches in round round robin play will be staged next weekend, with results deciding the seedings for the semifinals. The two top sides Dalefield and Featherston are likely to have a battle royal as they seek the top ranking, while East Coast will be aiming to beat Red Star White and leapfrog into third place ahead of Red Star, who have the bye.