Momona defended the Challenge Shield with a decisive 4-1 win over the University Huskies on Saturday.
University looked to be dominating possession early, putting Momona’s defence through their paces. However, Ella McCall opened the scoring for Momona with some brilliant play up the right-hand side. The congestion in the circle left Pippa Coft unsighted.
University bounced back quickly applying further pressure. They were back in the game with Momona gifting the Huskies an own goal to draw the score level. Some individual skill from Tessa Buschl in the attacking circle saw Momona add to their tally and edge in front.
Momona upped the intensity and began to capitalise on their penalty corners. Nicole Strawbridge scored a deflection off a Tessa Buschl injection to make it 3-1. Momona’s fourth goal was a case of right place right time for Lucy Sawers on the post to make it 4-1.
The first women’s fixture saw the City Highlanders take on the Kings United Women. The Highlanders looked as though they were going to have the legs on the Kings, and that they did with their midfield dominating the game from start to finish.
Annabelle Schneideman opened the scoring for the Highlanders with a straight shot from the top of the circle during open play. Ella Lloyd added to the tally in the third quarter after what seemed to have been countless opportunities. Danielle Wheeler found the back of the net again to make it 3-0. Annabelle Schneideman scored again to really finish the job making it 4-0.
The University Stingrays beat the Taieri Tigers 3-1, leaving the Tigers looking somewhat out of sorts. While the Stingrays didn’t dominate the play, the Tigers couldn’t make the final connection in the attacking circle.
In the men’s competition, the Kings United Men beat Tainui 12-2 in Oamaru to add to their top form. It was a rough day for the home team with the visitors putting on yet another display of class and skill.
The University Whales demolished the University Panthers 12-0. As per usual the Whales were on fine form in the attacking circle and capitalised on almost every opportunity. Jakob Bell-Kake made it look easy in the attacking circle, finding the back of the net on numerous occasions. Not to be outdone coach/player Joshua Wypych added some of his own.
The final men’s fixture between the Taieri Tuataras and the Albany Alligators was a rough day at the office for Felix McIntosh in goal. The Tuataras gathered more points in the standings with a 5-0 victory.
-- Grace Milne
