12
October 2004
After losing 1-2
to North Harbour on Saturday, Midlands men gained renewed confidence
to attack Central in the Sunday match at last weekends double header.
In the first half, both teams defence held as each team made probing
attacks, with only Central coming close to scoring. Centrals fullback,
Daniel Parry played an excellent "clean-up" game when-ever
his team got into a skirmish around the circle. Good attacking ball
delivery, when it came, was not cleanly brought under control by Petherick
and Puna, who had opportunities to break the game early. At the other
end, the solid defensive strength of Ian Haste and Warren Phillips,
looked unflustered as they controlled the game from the rear. When
Central did get shots on goal, Dean Armstrong was there to cover.
At halftime Hamiltonians could be forgiven for thinking they had seen
better enterprise around the circle in a saturday senior match involving
Suburbs this year.
In the second half Midlands Onitiri (from Australia) scored a brilliant
drag flick penalty corner to open Midlands account on the scoreboard
after only a few minutes. This was followed 7 minutes later with a
Warren Phillips penalty stroke, and Onitiri scored his second when
he was left unmarked on the top left of the circle after a good flowing
attack from the right side. Dean Armstrong was everywhere in his defensive
position and was applauded off the field by players and spectators
alike. It was an exciting second half. Final score 3-0 to Midlands.
Midlands host Canterbury at Gallagher Hockey Turf in the final round
of the pool on Thursday night, the women at 5pm and men at 7pm.
ABOVE:
Australian import, Seyi Onitiri,scored a brilliant drag flick penalty
corner in the second half.
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ABOVE:
Central's Adam Wilson deftly avoids the challenge by Craig Bigham.
 ABOVE:
Midlands keeper Dean Armstrong repels a Central attack.
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