The race for Intercity semi final spots has narrowed markedly after this weekends matches. Hamilton Old Boys almost assured themselves of a top two finish in pool B over the weekend by comprehensively defeating Mount Maunganui 6 nil.
In a rain affected opening, Old Boys grabbed the initiative through two pieces of slick inter-passing by their strike forwards that saw Michael Petherick clinically convert. Petherick completed his hat trick with the opening score of the second half and a double by Gareth Nuzum secured the win. Marc Carney completed the rout and the win leaves them only needing a point from their last two matches to secure a semi finals berth.

Kohekohe were gifted a possible semi’s opportunity by Tauranga Old Boys who disappointedly defaulted, but must make up a significant goal differential. University CBD although having a bye remain top of the pool but again also require one point from their remaining matches to assure a semi’s spot.

Pool A was left wide open when The Riv Suburbs Piako secured their must win match against Papakura 4-2. In an often ill tempered match not helped by inconsistent umpiring, Papakura went to the interval 2-1 up after a Matt Luxford PC for Suburbs was negated by field goals to Peter van Bruegal and Phil Hook. Hook went from hero to zero with some poor finishing during a crucial opening to the second half. CJ Mahon equalised for Suburbs and Luxford nailed home a second PC conversion to secure the win. Papakura player coach Mark Kake disappointingly voiced his frustration at the umpires with a verbal barrage at the conclusion of the match, but Suburbs were equally disappointed with two clear cut first half stroke-able offences also being overlooked.

With weather conditions not conducive to flawless hockey it bemuses me that for the second consecutive week the coaching staff have shown little respect for less than perfect umpiring in atrocious conditions. Two coaches in particular are quite lucky not to have been shown red cards for the manner of their dissent… (you know who you are.. as do the parents of younger children listening to the language used)

Taupo Men almost pulled off the upset of the day when deservedly leading Fraser Tech 2-1 at half time. It took a piece of inspiration from veteran defender Jack Clayton with a well timed run to score and a late Callum Slee field goal to circumvent Tech’s embarrassment.

The Women’s intercity semi finalists have almost sorted themselves with unbeaten Varsity, Aces, and Otumoetai all looking likely. Fraser Tech hold 4th spot although being downed 6-1 by the students over the weekend. Ashleigh Maguren (3), Lymarah Wharerau (2) and Charlotte McCullough showed better clinical finishing for the students and the score-line was somewhat flattering. Tech looked most promising after a period of sustained pressure just after the break with Debbie Bell converting to close the 2 goal half time deficit. Kim Green and goal keeper Candy Hart were the pick of the Tech players whilst Varsity’s all round team effort paid dividends.

For the record
MIDLANDS INTERCITY HOCKEY LEAGUE, Results 19/7/08:
Premier Men,
Fraser-Tech 3 beat Taupo 2;
Cosmopolitan Otumoetai 2 beat Onewhero Pukekohe 1,
The RIV Suburbs 4 beat Papakura 2;
Tauranga Old Boys lost to Kohekohe by default;
Hamilton Old Boys 6 beat Mt Maunganui 0;
Pukekohe Indians 8 beat Rotorua Indians 1;

Premier Women:
Te Awamutu 5 beat Taupo 0;
Rotorua Aces 4 beat Onewhero Pukekohe 1;
Valley United 7 beat Papakura 1;
Avenue Storage University 6 beat Fraser-Tech 1.