4th September 2004

In the first semi final of the Men's Premier Hockey competition, Ecolab Suburbs Piako made a welcome return to their early season form in dispatching Old Boys 5-0. Old Boys eagerly contested the first half possession and more than matched their more experienced opponents in the early exchanges. Ross Tritt gave Suburbs the lead with a deft touch from a PC variation after ill discipline had seen Ashley Burkhart sin binned. Steve Deversen added to Old Boy's woes when he too was binned for dissention.

Although Suburbs failed to take advantage with their number advantage they gained a psychological edge. Ian Haste, and Jeff Rosemergy showed their maturity to dominate the midfield possession and provided a steady stream of quality ball for their strike forwards. Old Boy's goal keeper Cameron Hughes kept his side in the game with a series of fine saves but Rosemergy kept his composure during a goal mouth melee to give his side a deserved 2-0 lead. Tritt scored his second as the recipient of a deft pass from a fine run down the right flank by Brett Sanders and Aaron Barnsdall converted a hotly contested penalty stroke. Grant Bird capped off a great day for the veteran players to complete the scoring.

In the ABN AMRO Craigs match of the day, the inform Cook-University were unluckily defeated 2-3 by intercity champions Fraser Tech. The students initially struggled to penetrate the Tech defensive screens but took the early lead through a defender deflection off a Wessels Eshuis PC strike. Varsity upped the tempo after their goal and their star midfielders Te Rau Brown and Tim Smith looked hungrier for the win. Tech restored parity when umpire Chris Neal contentiously awarded a goal although players and spectators alike knew Tech failed to get a touch inside the circle.

Unlike Old Boy's previously, the students showed composure as the calls continued to go against them. Tech forced their way back into the game as their midfielders Pete Nicol, Richard Petherick and Grant Goile gained dominance. Sandeep Puna linked well with his midfield and although closely marked found an unmarked Rob Gunn with a delightful cross.The ensuing shot was painfully saved by the knee of Hamish O'Neil and Warren Phillips duly converted the penalty stroke. With the game in the balance Phillips looked to seal victory with a PC strike but Morice McMillan quickly replied in kind to keep the students in with a chance. The outcome remained uncertain as the students mounted waves of attacks but failed to penetrate the resilient Tech defence. Jack Clayton went from villain to hero in the dying seconds as he firstly gave away a penalty corner and then made the clearance to give Tech the win.

Southern United and Te Awamutu will contest the women's final next week after illness and injury forced top placed Southern United to default their match to Te Awamutu and thereby handing them the other final's place.

Dominant: Jeff Rosemergy in one of his many right wing attacks at speed.

Stroke: Suburbs Aaron Barnsdall converts as the Old Boys keeper dives the wrong way in the second half penalty stroke.