Albany A beat University A 4-1 in the top-of-the-table clash
in premier men's hockey on Saturday night.
University had all the early play but Albany opened the
scoring after 30 minutes with Kane Russell converting through
a well-executed drag flick from a penalty corner.
Two minutes later, Veeran Moran levelled the scores when he
connected with a brilliant spin pass from playmaker Chris
Ashton and put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Paul
Gager.
Two minutes into the second half, Matt Rooney extended
Albany's lead with a well-struck ball from the top of the
circle.
Nathan Gilbert added Albany's third, with a superb reverse
stick shot from the edge of the circle.
With five minutes to play, University made the rare decision
to take goalkeeper Jareth Cocking off and replace him with an
11th field player.
This decision proved costly as right on fulltime, Albany won
a penalty corner and, with no goalkeeper, Russell stepped up
and slotted his second.
In other games, Kings beat the Tuataras 6-1, and University B
had a 3-3 draw with City Highlanders.
St Hilda's beat Momona B 3-2 in the women's premier
competition in a bottom-of-the-table clash.
St Hilda's took the lead when its first serious attack led to
a field goal from Nita Sullivan.
Showing maturity, the schoolgirls did not relax but quickly
took a 2-0 lead, with Sullivan again on target.
Speedy Sarah Thomas tried hard for Momona B but her speed was
not sufficient against the well-timed tackles of the St
Hilda's defenders.
St Hilda's was looking dominant until a sudden move by Momona
B put the ball into the circle for Natalie Howard to score
with a well-hit ball into the corner of the goal.
Shortly into the second half, Sullivan sent a lovely ball
into the circle to be finished off well by Sarah McLaren for
a 3-1 lead.
Momona B kept worked hard, with Howard winning a penalty
corner for her team.
This was struck hard by Millie Cowan to bring the scores
closer at 3-2.
Momona B tried hard but it could not get the equaliser.
In other games, Taieri drew 1-1 with University A and Momona
A drew 3-3 with City A.
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