Hockey: Playoffs scramble for former giants

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Canterbury men and Auckland women's teams are no longer the forces they once were in New Zealand hockey.

Auckland go into the penultimate round of the Lion Foundation national league needing a huge away win against Northland today to have any chance of reaching the top four.

With a three-loss record in as many games, the Aucklanders have struggled. They have scored only two goals while conceding 11.

Canterbury's men should make the playoffs but will be keen to beat North Harbour in Christchurch this afternoon to keep those hopes alive as teams battle to avoid the fourth playoff spot and an almost-certain semifinal clash with in-form Wellington.

Despite the presence of ace goal-grabber Hayden Shaw, Canterbury have scored only five goals in three outings whereas North Harbour and Auckland lead those stakes with 11 each. North Harbour and Auckland also have the best defensive records, conceding less than two goals a game.

Auckland are away to Northland this afternoon and should take maximum points ,although Northland at home are no easybeats.

Encouraged by their win over Midland Express last weekend, Northland will be keen to make life difficult for an Auckland team boasting internationals Paul Woolford, Bevan Hari, Wayne McIndoe, Dean Couzins, Dharmesh Puna, Dion Gosling and Ryan Wilson.

North Harbour do not boast the same strength but have done well in winning two from three.

The Wellington women, spearheaded by New Zealand's most experienced international, Suzie Pearce, are well-placed to go through pool play with a perfect record. They play Manawatu in Palmerston North today.

The scramble for second and third continues today with most interest in the Canterbury-North Harbour clash.