Dalefield resolve unsettles rivals

Their underdog status won't worry Dalefield, leading into their Wellington premier division men's hockey match with Hutt at Clareville tomorrow.

In fact, judging by the manner in which they have lifted their effort to draw with Victoria University and Northern United in their last two matches, it will probably help.

In both those games, Dalefield showed plenty of resolve and character to share the spoils and, while the powerful Hutt unit will probably offer sterner opposition, they are capable of fully extending them as well.

Making the draw with Northern United especially notable was Dalefield being without gun playmaker Andy Ewington and injury problems will keep him out of the action again this weekend, as it could Adam Birchall. However, Dalefield could have the services of talented striker Hugh Taylor, who is in the process of transferring to them from Victoria University.

He was a member of the Dalefield line-up last year.

The youth of the Dalefield side is evidenced by five of their number being part of the Wairarapa College first XI, who defeated Napier Boys 3-1 in the annual interschool fixture on Wednesday. They also lie second in their Wellington secondary schools competition, while in the girls section Wairarapa College have the top spot and St Matthew's Collegiate are second.

Both those teams are on target for the national Federation Cup tourney, which will be held at Clareville this year, Wairarapa College being the defending champions.