A solid team effort helped Albany A to a 5-1 win over the Taieri Tuataras in their premier one men's match at the McMillan Hockey Centre in Dunedin on Saturday.
Albany A wasted little time getting into the game, producing an aggressive start to force Taieri on to the back foot and scoring after only eight minutes.
The game slowed after that, however, as Albany continued to apply the pressure and gave Taieri few opportunities for a shot at goal.
Taieri fought hard and held its own for much of the match but two goals in a minute just before halftime put Albany well in control.
With Taieri down 3-0, Bede Mann-O'Malley gave the side hope when he scored off a penalty corner six minutes into the second half.
However, Albany reapplied the pressure and dictated play for the rest of the game.
It took only seven minutes for Albany to restore its three-goal lead.
Taieri continued to fight but Albany often pinched possession and starved the side of ball.
A fifth goal put the game beyond any doubt as Albany completed a dominant display.
Nathan Gilbert, Thomas Hatherly, Gabriel Rawcliffe, Jarod Hewitt and Tom Johnstone each scored a goal for the winning side.
In the other premier one men's match, Kings United A beat University Blue Whales 3-2 on penalties.
In men's premier two matches, Southland beat University Black Panthers 4-0.
- Noah Graham
