Dalefield target early lead

Dalefield are aiming to make an early statement when they open their Wellington Premier One men's hockey campaign with a match against Victoria University at the National Hockey Stadium tomorrow.
Victory over a University side who have one of the more potent forward lines in the premier league would represent a fine start to a season in which Dalefield are aiming to build on the excellent progress made last year. They want to show themselves to be serious contenders for competition honours.
Two pre-season encounters with University produced results encouraging enough to suggest there will be little between the two sides. Neither could claim bragging rights as they had a win apiece and it was also pretty much even stevens in terms of territory and possession.
Dalefield player-coach Willie Schaefer is aware of the importance of his side nullifying the attacking brilliance of the University forwards through solid, no-nonsense defence. Skipper Dane Lett, nerwcomer Isaac Berry and Schaefer himself will be two of the key figures there, as will goalkeeper Lindsay Brazendale, who is replacing the injured Orin Lockyer.
If they can successfully subdue the University front runners they will be doing Dalefield a huge favour. With the likes of Todd Gould, a notable gain who has played for Otago at national league level as well as New Zealand under-21s, Jesse Workman and Hugh Taylor, they have enough sting in their attack to make life difficult for the opposition defenders.
Dalefield will also be introducing three talented youngsters from Wairarapa College and Mitchell Blackwood, Alex Sumenko-Blundell and Joseph Robertson all have the potential to become integral members of the side as the season progresses.