Hockey: Brace for Bennett

Led by two goals from Taine Bennett, Auckland made the most of their chances to grab a 7-0 win over Southern on the opening day of the men's National Hockey League in Wellington yesterday.

Ahead 3-0 at halftime, Auckland pressed on to make the most of their chances, with all but one of their goals coming from open play. With their defence well marshalled by Sunil Unka, Auckland gave the Southerners few chances.

As expected, the opening matches were one-sided affairs, with the exception of Wellington, who had to battle before getting home 2-1 over the promising Midlands side.

Defending champions North Harbour scored a solid 5-1 win over Central but didn't really fire up until the second half when they scored three.

Lloyd Stephenson, just back from Australia, scored two, while import Zac Howes whacked home a penalty corner late in the game.

Canterbury led Northland 3-0 at halftime and won 4-1, with Hayden Shaw marking his return with a drag flick from a penalty corner.

In today's feature, Wellington meet Northland.

Canterbury and Central continued on their winning ways in the women's league, both making it three-from-three with wins over Auckland and North Harbour respectively.

It has been all bad news for Auckland, who are none-from-three and firmly at the bottom of the table after their 6-1 loss to their long-time rivals.

North Harbour turned in their best effort in holding the champion Central side to 4-3 in the game of the day.

The pick of the four women's matches today is North Harbour's game with Wellington.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY