Hockey: Auckland teams set sights on double glory

A brace from Charlotte Harrison proved the difference against Midlands. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland have a chance to snatch double glory in the National Hockey League finals this afternoon.

Yesterday's semifinals at North Harbour Hockey Stadium set up a showdown between Auckland and Northern in the women's K Cup, and the men will attempt to repeat last year's win when they battle Midlands in the Challenge Shield.

The province's prospects for twin victories arrived after the Auckland women defeated defending champions Midlands 3-2 and the men edged Southern by the same score.

A brace from Charlotte Harrison proved the difference against Midlands, netting the winner in the 47th minute with a terrific shot from the top of the circle. Harrison's intervention was needed after her opener and Su Arn Kwek's first-half strikes were cancelled out by Natasha FitzSimons and Kate Kernaghan.

Auckland will meet an unexpected foe in the final after Stacey Michelsen scored twice to help Northland stun Canterbury 3-1. The midfielder opened the scoring in the 13th minute but, after a brief delay due to a flooded turf, Canterbury drew level early in the third quarter to lock up the scores.

Northland surged again ahead when Michelsen scored from a solo run, before Ella Gunson sealed Northland's spot in the final from a penalty stroke.

In the men's competition, Auckland kept alive their hopes of a fourth consecutive championship, needing a late winner from striker Jared Panchia after an even encounter. Panchia and Dwayne Rowsell had earlier given Auckland the lead and Joe Crooks twice pulled his side back into the match.

Auckland will now play Midlands after they won a shoot-out against Canterbury.