Hockey: Auckland hold high hopes for scoring a title double at national league finals

Black Sticks and Auckland player Liz Thompson. Photo / Christine Cornege

The last time Auckland did a title double at the National Hockey League finals was three years ago, and even that wasn't a clean-cut success.

Auckland won the women's K Cup that year, but had to share the Challenge Shield with Central.

Both topped their round robin competitions, which ended on Thursday night and go into the semifinals today favoured to advance to tomorrow's finals.

For all Auckland's assumed prowess, based on population as much as anything, it's worth remembering the finals have not always been an Auckland benefit.

In the men's case, they are going for a fourth straight title - including that 2011 shared success with Central - but the previous win was back in 2001.

In the intervening years, four provinces won the championship - Wellington four times, both by that name and as Capital in 2010, North Harbour three times, Canterbury and Midlands once each.

As for the women, apart from victory in 2011, Auckland's previous success was in 2001, the last year of a genuine Auckland provincial double. Four provinces have lifted the cup since then - Wellington and North Harbour three times each, Central and Canterbury twice, and Midlands last year. It should be noted Wellington did the double 11 years ago.

They are in the last four, and will look to avenge the 2-0 defeat in round-robin play last Saturday. Auckland have a strong incentive, however, having been beaten in the semifinals last year.

"I definitely think we're heading in the right direction," Auckland's Black Sticks defender Liz Thompson said.

"This whole tournament, every game has been tough. There are definitely key players we've needed to look out for, but we're building on every game and starting to link up better. Our structure is looking quite good."

There are nine players with four or more goals in the competition. Four are from Auckland - just-retired international Krystal Forgesson has five, sisters Charlotte and Sam Harrison and penalty corner striker SuArn Kwek have four apiece, all but one of Auckland's 18 goals. No prizes for guessing who defending champions Midlands will be keeping an eye on.

"You're gutted when you lose [in the semifinals], and we remember what it was like [last year]," Thompson said. "This is what you play and practise for, and hopefully we're peaking at the right time."

Northland and Canterbury should be tight. Canterbury won a penalty shootout to win their round-robin clash last Wednesday after it was locked up 1-1. Northland were the early pacesetters and will lean heavily on Black Sticks midfielder Stacey Michelsen for inspiration.

Auckland's men play Southern in a replay of last year's final, while Canterbury face a Midlands side who have impressed throughout the league, only surrendering top spot with Thursday's 1-0 loss to Auckland, and a Jared Panchia goal.

Finals countdown

National Hockey League semifinals today (all at North Harbour)
Men: Auckland v Southern, 2pm; Canterbury v Midlands, 4pm
Women: Auckland v Midlands, 10am; Northland v Canterbury, noon