Hockey: Olympians filter back to add experience

By TERRY MADDAFORD


A number of Olympians are expected to make an earlier-than-expected return to the hockey field in first-round National League action today.

Long-serving international goalkeeper Paul Woolford will turn out for Auckland in their clash with Northland at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

Injured Michael Gunn has made way for Woolford, who will take his place in goal with Ashley Lowry as his back-up.


With Brett Leaver back in Auckland colours to join captain Sunil Unka at fullback, the team have a wealth of defensive experience.

Although national coaches Kevin Towns (men) and Ian Rutledge (women) will be happy to see their Champions Trophy hopefuls back playing, some of the opposition teams may not.

First-round games in the expanded Lion Foundation National League appear to have a lopsided look. The likely top four in the men's and women's competitions are pitted against teams seemingly destined for the lower reaches.

Central, with internationals Kayla Sharland and Emily Naylor set to play (but with Tara Drysdale missing), could test North Harbour, who will be without Olympians Jaimee Provan, Leisen Jobe and Lizzy Igasan for the first round.

North Harbour men will have David Kosoof and Blair Hopping on hand for their game against Central in Levin.

Mitesh Patel will turn out for Wellington against Midlands in Tauranga.

Wellington will be without Australian import and centre-half Brent Livermore. The defending champions, who are rebuilding after their home triumph last season, are already missing Phil Burrows, James Nation and Umesh Parag.

Gareth Brooks will spearhead Canterbury's attack against Southern in Christchurch.

The Canterbury women could land an unexpected bonus with Di Weavers likely to return - perhaps as early as next week - after announcing her intention to step aside following her move north.

But she, like many, is reconsidering her international future in light of the Champions Trophy invitations.


The matches in Tauranga, Auckland and Levin start at 12.30pm (women) and 2.30pm (men), and two hours later in Christchurch.