Hockey: Canterbury, Auckland set for action replay

By RICHARD BOOCK

Old rivals Canterbury and Auckland will meet in an action replay of last night's pool game after qualifying for the second semifinal of the national women's hockey league.

Canterbury beat Auckland 2-1 at Lloyd Elsmore Park, courtesy of a brace from Michelle Turner, and held on despite a second-half strike from the home side's Meredith Orr.

The result means the two sides will clash again in tomorrow's second semifinal, following the showdown between Wellington and Manawatu.

Manawatu secured their berth with a 3-1 win over North Harbour, who may now face a relegation game after finishing bottom of the table.

After conceding the early advantage, Manawatu stormed ahead through twin strikes from Kayla Sharland, and one from Tara Drysdale.

The Waikato women blew their chance to qualify when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Wellington, leaving them languishing in second bottom place on the table.

In men's action, Midlands sprang the upset of the round with a 2-1 win over Wellington in Hamilton.

But the win was not enough for Midlands, after North Harbour qualified to play Auckland in the late semifinal after a dramatic 5-nil win over Northland.

Harbour needed to win by five to qualify and managed their last goal in the dying minutes.

In the early semifinal, Canterbury will play Wellington after drawing 1-1 with Auckland at Lloyd Elsmore Park.