Hockey: Hot North Harbour still have some work to do

By TERRY MADDAFORD

A clinical 6-0 win over Northland yesterday kept North Harbour on top of the men's national league.

But so tight is the top of the table battle, the defending champions still have some work to do to be assured of a place in this year's Lion Foundation league final.

The women's race is clearer, with Auckland, 2-1 winners over long-time rivals Canterbury, three points clear and almost certain to play the southerners again in the October 13 final.

The Auckland men, too, beat Canterbury by a goal in the other match, but they had to come from behind.

In a torrid encounter - both teams had two players sin-binned - Bryce Collins gave Canterbury the lead oin the eighth minute. Auckland equalised in the 23rd minute with Dion Gosling providing the final touch. Two minutes before the break, Hamish Howard regained the lead for the home side.

Eleven minutes from time Ryan Archibald scored for 2-2, but a minute later Alpesh Patel grabbed Auckland's winner.

Wellington kept their hopes alive and set up a classic final round-robin game against Auckland on Sunday with a 9-2 romp over Midland Express at Pukekohe.

James Nation was Wellington's star, with four goals.

Northland began strongly against North Harbour, but failed to convert that pressure into goals and the defending champions hit back with three - two to Andrew Kay - in seven minutes to take control.

North Harbour can book a home final with victory over Canterbury in Christchurch on Sunday.

Anything less will put Auckland and Wellington back into the equation.

The North Harbour women could not continue their winning run - beaten 3-0 at home by a well-drilled Wellington side who deservedly scored their first win of the season with three goals from penalty corners.

In the top of the table clash, Auckland got their game against Canterbury under way with a Jamie Provan goal from a penalty corner. Kate Saunders grabbed the equaliser after 12 minutes and Auckland's winner came from Jenny Shepherd.

In the other game, Manawatu downed Otago 3-1.