13th September 2007

Southern United once again upset Te Awamutu to gain a place in the Waikato Premier Hockey competition finals against favourites Avenue Storage University.
Both sides were sound defensively but Southern created a greater number of clear-cut opportunities. Emily Schwikkard continued her goal scoring form to provide the only goal of the game mid way through the second half.
Varsity had to come from behind against Fraser Tech after Katie Cockram and Debbie Bell had converted chances to give Tech a deserved 2 nil lead. Lymarah Wharerau finished off a slick interpassing movement with Jemma Overmire and Stacey Brannigan converted twice before the interval to give the students the lead. Brannigan repeated her first half efforts either side of a PC conversion to Bell for a hard fought 5-3 victory.

In the Men’s semi finals The Cook University found Fraser Tech to be a sterner challenge than expected. Tech dominated the opening exchanges and could have easily gone two goals up but for some inept finishing. Tim Smith opened the scoring for the students with a field goal and Sandeep Puna and Morice McMillan gave Varsity a flattering 3 nil half time lead.
Varsity played with more composure in the second spell and cruised to a five-goal advantage through Chris Marr and Ben Tanner field goals. Andrew Morgan finally found his shooting accuracy and twice converted to bring Tech briefly back into contention. James Hawley sealed the 6-3 win with a low drag flick with Darren Luckin scoring Techs consolation goal. Chris Lawry in goal for University made some telling saves and with Smith was the pick of the Varsity players whilst Callum Slee continued to impress for Tech.

Hamilton Old Boys will have the chance to make amends for their dismal Intercity final showing against Varsity when they wore down the initially challenge of The Riv Suburbs to prevail 5-2. Luke Forbes and Aaron Barnsdall had given Suburbs the perfect start to lead 2 nil but a foolish and incorrect act of generosity by CJ Mahon gifted Old Boys a PC from which Richard Petherick made no mistake to begin Old Boys come back. Paul Rae stylishly converted twice from the field to give Old Boys the half time advantage. He completed his hat trick after some excellent interpassing and Petherick completed the scoring with another drag flicked PC. Joel Finn, Rae and Petherick were the pick of the Old Boys line up whilst BJ Watling, Barnsdall and Ian Haste all had solid games for Suburbs.

For the Record
Semi Finals Played Wednesday
Men: The Cook University 5 (Tim Smith, Sandeep Puna, Morice McMillan,Chris Marr, Ben Tanner) defeated Fraser Tech 3 (Andrew Morgan 2, Darren Luckin), HT 3-0;

Hamilton Old Boys 5 (Paul Rae 3, Richard Petherick 2) defeated The Riv Suburbs 2 (Luke Forbes, AaronBarnsdall), HT 3-2.

Women: Southern United 1 (Emily Schwikkard) defeated Te Awamutu 0, HT
0-0;
Avenue Storage University 5 (Stacey Brannigan 4, LymarahWharerau) defeated Fraser Tech 3 (Katie Cockram, Debbie Bell 2), HT3-2.