The Albany Alligators have edged to the top of the Dunedin premier men’s competition, though were left disappointed as they twice squandered leads to draw 2-2 with the Taieri Tuataras on Saturday.
Despite the draw, a shootout victory takes them level on points with Taieri, pushing Albany ahead on goal difference, potentially setting up a blockbuster final round clash for the points trophy.
Albany started the better of the two sides but were not quite able to apply enough pressure on the Taieri goal.
The defending champions warmed into the tie, but were certainly second-best in the first quarter, and shortly after the interval they were made to pay, as Eli Turner fired home at the end of a swift counterattack.
As they tend to do, Taieri went straight back up the other end with James Nicolson set free on the counter, allowing him to flick it across the spot, where Hugo Maitland arrived, staying calm to slot it around Michael Lobb in the Albany goal.
The remainder of the quarter was feisty, as was the third — but neither side was quite able to find the go-ahead goal.
That changed at the start of the quarter, when Billy Sheard scrapped home from a real cluster inside the circle.
It had Albany believing they were finally going to beat Taieri but defending champions do not roll over. James Nicolson pressed up, stole the ball, before laying it for Oliver Battrick to roll into an empty net.
It was frustration for Albany, who got something with the extra competition point, but it is far from the outcome they wanted.
The best on show were Sheard and young defender Baxter Meder, who both thrived in a very abrasive game.
The Kings United Cobras cruised to a 12-0 triumph over the University Panthers, Charles Darling signing off with the side by slotting home half-a-dozen.
After conceding early, there were a few worries for the University Whales, but they rallied to put down the Southland Barbarians 5-1.
In the premier women’s competition, it was mixed emotions for the University Huskies, who let a 2-0 lead slip, as they missed the chance to take the shield off Momona.
Two early goals had them on their way, but Momona worked their way back into the contest in the second half and were eventually good enough to secure a draw.
Another shootout win will have the Huskies feeling good heading into the post-season, but it could have been so much better.
The Kings United Royals returned to the winner’s circle, easing to an 8-1 win over the University Stingrays. The Rays were hearty throughout and were rewarded with a goal late on for their efforts.
In the last game of the day, the Taieri Tigers pulled off an almighty upset with a PJ Watkins goal seeing them to an unlikely 1-0 win over the City Highlanders.
It was far from pretty, but the Tigers were gritty and deserving of the four competition points.
— Nicholas Friedlander
