Hockey: Auckland at top after close call

By BOB PEARCE

Auckland men remain unbeaten at the top of the national hockey league, despite a wakeup call by Midlands at Hamilton yesterday.

The northerners cruised to a 2-0 lead after 17 minutes, thanks to some snappy work from Phil Lowe.

But in a rare sortie by Midlands in the 44th minute, David Burns scored from a stroke and the whole tenor of the game changed.

Dean Couzins converted a stroke for Auckland for 3-1, only to see Blair Hopping's penalty corner variation make it 3-2 with five minutes to go.

The Aucklanders survived, but they will need to be at their best when they play Canterbury in the final round on Thursday.

Midlands will take heart ahead of their clash with Wellington, which will decide their semifinal chances.

Wellington retain second place three points behind Auckland after being pushed to 4-3 by North Harbour.

Harbour's clash with Northland at Albany's Rosedale Park on Thursday will be crucial for their semifinal chances. They are level on points with Midlands, but have an inferior goal difference.

North Harbour's women went one better than the men, recovering from 1-4 to snatch a 4-4 draw with Wellington yesterday. Michelle Roscoe, Desiree Watson, Jaimee Provan and Paula Enoka scored for Harbour, who stay at the bottom of the table.

Auckland scored their second win of the season, beating Waikato 2-0 with Krystal Forgesson scoring twice. The win moves Auckland into semifinal contention.

Carol Ward's two goals helped Canterbury move three points clear at the top after a 4-0 defeat of Manawatu.