by Vaughan Hilton

Hamahona and Hunter: a Class Act for Wellington.
19 September 2004
The National Hockey League got underway in this weekend in an extended eight-team format. In an evenly contested first half NHL newcomers Midland women gave last years champions a run for their money.

The sides traded early possession but lacked cohesion on attack. Both centre halves and ex NZ reps, Midlands Robbie Mathews and Wellington’s Lisa Bishop showed their class in dominating the midfield possession but it was Wellingtons Nicola Hunter, initially at left wing and then switching to the right, that made best use of attacking possession with some telling runs in combination with player of the match Piki Hamahona. The sides were locked at nil all at halftime but Wellington took the advantage early in the second half with a well constructed move up the right with Hunter combining well with Piki Hamahona for Hunter to finish off. Midland goalkeeper Karen Smith had her work cut out as Wellington upped the tempo to take a stranglehold on the game when Hamahona converted after another fast break caught the Midland defense short on numbers. Waikato based strikers Mel Yule, Bryone Hutchinson and Jeanna Platt continued to keep the Wellington defence on their toes but scoring opportunities were all too few. Hamohona and the up and coming Nancy-Rae Tarawa each scored slick field goals to see Wellington end comfortable 4-0 winners.

In other women’s matches played around the country...
Central Emeralds 2 (Sheree Phillips, Moira Senior) defeated North Harbour 1 (Brooke Taylor);
Auckland 4 (Karen Syddal 2, Jessica Brewster 2) Northland 1 (Jane Clarke);
Canterbury 2 (Amanda Christie 2) Southern 1 (Toni Townsend).

In the Men’s match, Midland’s coach Sue McLeish was looking for an improved showing from her young team when they faced 2003 champions Wellington. Wellington coach Peter Miskimmin was without the services of all his NZ Olympic players except for Mitesh Patel and introduced talented youngsters and U21 players Tim Gyles, Jason Hilton, Scott Barnett and Chris Thomas. Initially both sides struggled to come to terms with a bouncy Mt Maunganui surface and it was Midlands who adapted to the conditions best. Dominating the early exchanges Midlands strikers Jonny Forbes and Sandeep Puna were thwarted in their attempts by resilient defensive work from Wellington fullbacks Graeme Helps and player of the day Andrew Phillips. Midlands looked a composed unit and contested midfield possession well until a fast break from deep within their own half saw Mitesh Patel use his silky skills to beat the defence and provide the perfect pass for Barnett to slot home. Midlands responded immediately with Tim Smith showing composure in front of goal to convert after Wellington goalie Greg Paynter had made a couple of fines saves. As the half wore on Wellington swung the game their way with Patel firstly reverse sweeping a shot past Dean Armstrong in goal and then Phillips converting a PC on the stroke of half time to lead a flattering 3-1. The visitors took control of the match in the second half and were luckily awarded a penalty stroke after it appeared Midlands Ian Haste had pulled off a fine save. Jaime Schaefer converted the stroke and Patel completed the scoring with another deft touch.

In other mens matches...
Auckland 6 (Mark Laurence 3, Sunil Unka 1, David Samuels 2) Northland 1 (Mark McLeod);
North Harbour 6 (David Kosoof 2, Simon Brill, Lloyd Stephenson, Andrew Kay, Bryce Collins) Central 0;
Canterbury 9 (Shea McAleese, Taeke Taekema 2, Gareth Brooks 2, Andrew Nation 2, Jason Bradley, Raj Menon) Southern 1 (Daniel Harrington)