Dalefield avoid agony with win

Dalefield guaranteed they won't have to go through the agonies of a promotion-relegation match when they beat Victoria University 7-4 in the playoff for fifth and sixth in the Wellington premier division men's hockey competition at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
Keen to make a flying start to dent University's confidence, Dalefield did exactly that by scoring the first three goals and while University never looked like throwing in the towel Dalefield always looked to have the upper hand.
"It wasn't totally convincing but it was convincing enough," Dalefield coach Mark Fenwick said of the win.
"There were a few nerves around and that affected both teams but, in the end, I think we got what we deserved."
Wellington national league rep Rowan Yeo led Dalefield superbly while Daniel Juno set up a number of their goals with his silky distribution skills.
Mark Duxbury, Aaron Nelson and Jay Hodgkiss also impressed.
The Dalefield women's team ended up a very creditable fourth in their Wellington premier division competition after losing 3-0, also to Victoria University, in their playoff for third and fourth on Saturday.
Their overall effort represented a huge improvement from last season when they finished bottom of the heap and had to win a promotion-relegation match to stay in the premier league.