Dalefield class seals finals win

Dalefield comfortably took out the women's senior hockey final at the Clareville complex by defeating Featherston 5-2 on Saturday.
Played in windy conditions, favourites Dalefield fell behind when Featherston's Karen James slotted her shot into the corner of the goal.
But Dalefield replied almost immediately when, from a penalty corner, Ana Playle's shot was deflected into the Featherston goal.
Playle gave Dalefield the lead just before halftime, again from a penalty corner, which took her side to the break leading 2-1.
Featherston came out strongly at the restart and levelled the score at 2-all when Jessica Vaughn netted after a spectacular right wing break from Shakira Baker.
At this stage an upset result appeared possible but Dalefield rallied and Playle netted once more to complete her hat-trick and restore her side's lead.
Playle was far from finished, however, and deep in to the half she finished off a move to add a fourth goal to her personal as well as her team's tally.
Jodi Graham completed the scoring for Dalefield near the end.
Playle's outstanding achievements deservedly earned her the player of the match award.
Meanwhile in the men's final, The Workshop team was always in control against Featherston winning 5-2.
Featherston was guilty of letting scoring opportunities go begging and ended up paying the ultimate price.
In the women's Red A final, Tumu ITM was expected to be too strong for Gladstone but Gladstone had other ideas and determined play saw them prevail 2-1.
In the women's 3 final, it was a case of youth playing experience with the younger Chanel College sneaking home 3-1 over Carterton Masters.
In another finals upset, JNL Wheezers outplayed the more fancied Red Star 3-2.