Hockey: Now Harbour can show first win was no fluke

By TERRY MADDAFORD

After being given little credit for their upset 4-3 win over Wellington in the opening round of the national league, North Harbour have the chance this afternoon to prove that victory was no fluke.

In a Battle of the Bridge, the defending Lion Foundation League champions meet Auckland at Rosedale Park at midday, with the winners assured of at least a share of the early-season lead.

In difficult conditions at Auckland Grammar, where the ball rarely rolled 10 metres, Auckland beat the young Midland Express side 3-2 first-up.

Harbour coach Bill Webb said: "It's a match we are looking forward to. With only five round-robin games there is a fine line between qualifying for the final and being involved in the relegation battle."

Auckland coach Keith Rowley said the match was definitely one his team were desperate to win.

"It's a big game," Rowley said. "I certainly don't underestimate North Harbour. They have quality players capable of putting the ball in the back of the goal."

Rowley will not know until closer to game time whether international Dion Gosling, who has been struggling with an Achilles tendon injury, will be fit.

Midland Express have home advantage against Canterbury tomorrow and Northland are on the road again, playing Wellington in a game crucial to both sides, who lost in the first round.

The Auckland women play Wellington tomorrow at Avondale College, and might have Lisa Walton back.

After missing last week's 5-0 away win over Otago with an Achilles injury, international Walton has trained this week and could get some game time.

Canterbury should beat Otago to join Auckland and possibly Manawatu at the top of the table.

Manawatu, who beat Wellington 2-1 in the opening round, are at home to North Harbour, who did well in holding Canterbury to 2-0.