Hockey: Welcome return to midfield

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Ryan Archibald will be welcomed back by his Auckland team-mates for their last round-robin hockey game against North Harbour at Rosedale Park tonight.

Sidelined by a groin injury for the first four matches of the Lion Foundation National League, the inside forward's return is timely as all teams head to Wellington tomorrow for the weekend's playoffs.

Auckland need only a point from tonight's game to finish second and avoid unbeaten Wellington in Saturday morning's semifinal.

"We are comfortable with the position we are in," Auckland coach Keith Rowley said. "North Harbour have to beat us by three goals to get ahead of us."

That will not be easy because Auckland have the best defensive record, conceding just five goals in four matches.

"We are aware that North Harbour can beat anyone on their day but it is a tough order for them," Rowley said. "This is the weekend that matters, however."

Rowley has rotated his players well this season, using all 18 squad members - apart from Archibald - in winning three of their four games.

North Harbour coach Alan Hill has not been happy with some aspects of his team's play.

"We have to defend a lot better. Of the nine goals we have conceded, I would have to say six have been pretty soft. Our general field play, too, has been a bit lax."

Tonight's other games should be won by Wellington (over Northland) and Canterbury, who meet Midland Express. That would confirm Wellington as top qualifier.

Wellington also seem set to top the women's pool. They, too, play Northland today. Canterbury should finish second no matter how their match with Manawatu ends.

The real interest in the women's competition will again be the North Harbour v Auckland clash at Rosedale Park, starting at 6.30pm.

Auckland are in danger of missing the semifinals and need to win by a clear margin to have any chance given their poor goal differential.

In Saturday's semifinals, the top qualifier will play the fourth. The second and third-ranked teams will meet in the other semifinal.