Dalefield are top semis qualifier

Dalefield guaranteed themselves the top qualifying spot for the semi-finals this coming weekend when they beat University 1-0 in their Wellington premier division women's hockey match at Clareville on Saturday.
The victory took them to 45pts on the competition table, four more than second placed Eastern Hutt. Then come Hutt 38, Indians 34, University 29 and Harbour-City Tawa 2.
And. what's more, it means their semi-final will be played on their home turf at Clareville, almost certainly against Indians which have a catch up game against University in Wellington tonight.
Coach Kim Henson said Saturday's win was as hard fought as the final scoreline would indicate with Dalefield scoring the only goal midway through the second half. It came from a penalty corner with Karla Burt doing the business.
"There wasn't a lot in it at any stage but we probably should have scored another goal or two," Henson said. "We had the chances but didn't take them."
Especially pleasing to Henson was the tightness of the Dalefield defence with St Matthews Collegiate fifth former, Sara Crowfoot, shining at goalkeeper. She was always cool under pressuure and made some good saves,
Other Dalefield players to impress were inside forwards Janeen Bruce and Karen James, both of whom were always looking to exploit any weaknesses in University's defence.