Hockey: Former top dogs out to hit back

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The big three of New Zealand men's hockey are set to return to the top of the national tree after a season to forget in 2000.

In a major surprise, unheralded North Harbour and Northland finished one-two in last season's Lion Foundation-sponsored league, pushing Auckland (third), Wellington (fifth) and Canterbury (sixth) out of the limelight.

Stung, the big guns are ready to fight back, with Wellington and Auckland the early favourites for the third national league, which hits off this weekend.

The women's competition does not hold the same expectations.

Auckland look set to retain their title, with Canterbury again their closest challengers.

All teams will be at, or close to, full strength because the New Zealand men are back from their successful World Cup qualifying tournament and the women after their fifth placing at the Champions Trophy in Holland.

The league will play a critical role for the national selectors.

Men's coach Kevin Towns and his fellow selectors, Charlie Oscroft and John Christensen, must name a squad to prepare for February's World Cup and, later, the Commonwealth Games.

Women's coach Jan Borren and his team face a trip to Australia for a proposed four-nations tournament in late October and, beyond that, the Commonwealth Games.

Sandy Bennett, Meredith Orr and Mandy Smith, who had been under injury clouds but got through the Champions Trophy, have all been named in a powerful Auckland team. They start their campaign on Sunday with an away match against Otago.

Canterbury, away to North Harbour on Sunday, have internationals Anne-Marie Irving, Penny Munns, Michelle Turner and Carol Ward to spearhead their bid to regain the top spot they lost to Auckland last season.

The men's league promises to be hard-fought, with Canterbury determined to forget their horror season in 2000. Both Canterbury teams this year went to Australia for pre-season play. The men will hit the ground running in their opener against Northland at home on Sunday.

Wellington have a look of real class, especially in their attack, with Umesh Parag, Wayne McIndoe, Phil Burrows and Mitesh Patel ready to provide a challenge for any defence.

Auckland, too, have class through their team, with Ryan Archibald the spearhead of a side including a number of top players. International Dion Gosling is, however, struggling with injury and others, including Bevan Hari, Simon Towns and Brett Leaver, will be missing.

Auckland play Midland Express at Auckland Grammar tomorrow.

In warm-up games at the Metro League in Wellington, Auckland beat Wellington 2-0 and Canterbury 2-1 to confirm their solid pre-season form.

North Harbour have a new-look team and have been denied the chance to include former international Jamie Smith.

Auckland have refused to release Smith after he initially made himself unavailable.

Defending champions Harbour, again coached by Bill Webb, face a battle with their largely young team, although in Andrew Kay, David Kosoof, Lloyd Stephenson and Stu Sutherland they have players capable of scoring goals.

North Harbour face the toughest possible opener - an away clash with Wellington to be played tomorrow.