Hockey: University B gives its A side a 2-2 hurry-up

University A received a wake-up call from its B team on Saturday night, with the teams playing out a 2-2 draw.

University A, 13 points clear of University B, was widely expected to repeat its 6-2 victory from the last round, especially after being beaten by Albany last week.

Both teams saw their normal playing rosters hit hard by exams and the University holidays, meaning that both teams were full of junior members and part-timers.

The unfamiliarity that these new players caused to both teams was evident right from the start, as the A side's usually solid midfield looked shaky and disorganised.

James Kennedy got University A on the board after 12 minutes, before Will Fairgray equalised in spectacular fashion. Matt Jonson's shot on goal was deflected by Jareth Cocking straight at Fairgray who collected the ball on the half-volley and blasted it into the back of the goal.

Hugo Borren reinstated the A side's lead 10 minutes later, getting on the end of some erratic passing in front of the University B goal.

With three minutes to go, University A conceded a penalty corner which, after some sloppy defence, was converted by Robert Buhler.

In other games, Albany stretched its lead in the points table with a 6-1 demolition of the Tuataras, and Kings consolidated third with a 4-0 win over City Highlanders.

In women's hockey, Taieri and City Highlanders A cancelled each other out in a rare 0-0 draw.

For the first 10 minutes, City looked dominant and won the first penalty corner, but Taieri defended it well.

Within seconds the ball was up the other end with Taieri setting up its own opportunity.

Kirsty Cole raced down and struck at the goalie who responded with such a big kick that it went straight down the opposite end and the opposition won another penalty corner. With that, and two more PCs following to Taieri, the teams went into the halftime scoreless.

After halftime, a clever give-and-go passing move set up by Samantha Dungey led to the award of another penalty corner but yet again it was saved. Hayley Bayne set up hopeful attacks for Taieri but Maia Thompson was impossible to get past.

The game was pacey in the midfield with some excellent tackling and passing skills demonstrated, but a match-deciding goal never came.

St Hilda's had a shock 4-3 win over Momona A, and University A beat Momona B 4-0.