Grassroots hockey: North Harbour

Takapuna were again left rueing one that got away when they were held 2-2 by ABC in the feature match of the premier men's championship.

In their first clash of the season, Takapuna led for much of the game before drawing 3-3.

On Saturday, in the first series of the second round, ill discipline cost Takapuna dearly.

ABC scored their first goal from a penalty corner awarded after backchat and their second came when Takapuna were reduced to 10 players.

Aidan Hill and Simon Brill scored for Takapuna, while Karl Anderson and Andrew Kay netted for ABC.

Leaders Hibiscus Dairy Flat had to battle for their 3-2 win over North Shore United.

They trailed 2-0 early in the second spell, but Tony Waldron scored twice and his brother Steve added the other for the win.

Martin Taylor grabbed both United goals.

East Coast Bays were ahead 10-0 at halftime, then added another nine to swamp Indians 19-0.

Sometime international Lloyd Stephenson scored seven, while David Green (4), New Zealand representative Darren Smith (3), Brad Montgomerie (2) and Ben Collier, Johnny Morris and Peter Bell were also on the scoresheet.

Leaders Hibiscus Dairy Flat also went on a goalscoring spree in their premier women's match, scoring six in the second spell to beat North Shore United 9-0. Black Stick Paul Enoka led the way with a hat-trick.

A stern halftime talk sparked Mahurangi into a solid second half and eventually a 1-1 draw with Takapuna.

Rachel Sharpes' goal gave Takapuna a 1-0 lead, but the improving Mahurangi side levelled when Gabrielle Buchanan scored from penalty corner.

ABC retained second place despite going down 2-1 to East Coast Bays.

After a scoreless first half, Desiree Watson scored a fabulous goal to give ABC a lead which they held until the last 10 minutes when Leisen Jobe scored from a penalty corner. Tanya Kabalin broke ABC hearts with her late winner.