Hockey: Dunedin titles to be decided today

Blair Scoullar
Blair Scoullar
Kings United will be hoping to continue its momentum when it plays University in the Dunedin premier men's final at the McMillan Centre water turf this afternoon.

And Taieri will chase its third straight premier women's title when it plays its great rival, University A.

Kings progressed to the men's final after beating Albany on strokes in the lifeline game on Thursday night.

It will be a first appearance in a final for Kings since 2001, when it won the title by beating Taieri.

Kings may miss key player Hugo Inglis, who has a suspected broken finger, but rising star Kane Russell should be back in the squad after taking time off with a broken thumb.

It is im-possible to pick a winner for the men's final but Kings is arguably the team to watch.

Stephen Hollands seems to have picked up his game considerably this year, with even more impressive agility and control. Blair Tarrant (formerly of Albany) is also a strong player for Kings.

Players to watch in the University team include Chris Pettit, Chris Ashton and keeper Drew Crane.

University A possibly starts as the slight favourite in the women's final. Michelle Borren and Monique Wilson are among a handful of dangerous forwards, while Erin Smythe pulls the strings from midfield and Lydia Cook marshals the defence.

But Taieri, which has lost a lot of players from last season but has rebuilt well, can also be confident after beating University 1-0 in the major semifinal.

Taieri's strength is its teamwork and it will also have the most influential player in Otago women's hockey on the field, defender Vicky Clarke.

The women's final is at 4pm and the men's final is at 5.30pm.

Add a Comment