by Vaughan Hilton

Te Awamutu squeeze home against improved Southern United. more photos >>>

20 June Local derbies were the order of the day in this weekends Intercity Premier Women's Hockey Competition. The vastly improved Southern United took on last years champions Te Awamutu and Bazuka Sports University faced Fraser Tech. Te Awamutu had the upper hand in the early game but struggled to penetrate Southerns defence in an even first half. Maria Dunne finally broke the deadlock minutes before half time after a goalmouth melee. Southern were unluckily denied a penalty stroke when Jeanna Platt appeared to be illegally tackled at the top of the circle and the ensuing breakout saw Sue Hill given too much space capitalising on the opportunity with a well directed shot. Te Awamutu's 2-0 win sees them regain second place in the championship from Southern with Rotorua Aces, who had a bye this week, remaining top. In the ABN AMRO Craigs match of the day Ecolab Suburbs Piako fought off the spirited effort of Old Boys in a 5-3 victory. The match looked to be a one sided affair after Suburbs took a 3nil lead through goals to Aaron Barnsdall, Bryan Winiata and Ian Haste. David Heappey replied with a drag flick from a PC to set Old Boys on the comeback trail. Ross Tritt and Heappey traded goals before Ashley Burkhart converted a hotly disputed penalty stroke. At 3-4 down, Old Boys looked as if they could equalise after Suburbs were reduced to ten men when Auke Idema was sin binned for retaliation. Resolute defending from Ian Haste and Jeff Williamson prevented Old Boys from converting a barrage of attacks and against the run of play Winiata sealed the victory with a goal on full time. When Old Boys concentrated on playing the game they looked superb, but all too often the team were guilty of concentrating on debating with the match officials. Suburbs joined Fraser Tech at the top of the table after Tech were held to a 2 all draw away to Counties side Kohekohe. Like last weeks draw against Suburbs, Kohekohe&Mac226; task was made easier with some host friendly umpiring. Earlier The Cook University 4 (Morice McMillan, Tony Hopping, Matt Driller, Tenga Rangitauira) defeated Mt Maunganui 2 (Krish Singh, Cleay Perham) The score line flattering the visitors with Hanoa Morete, Tim Smith, Craig Hardman and Rangitauira controlling the game for the students and only the keeping of Sam Oaks keeping the Mount in the game. In other Premier mens games Tauranga Old Boys defeated Rotorua Aces 7-2 and Papakura crushed Rotorua Indians 8-0. Both University and Fraser Tech fielded under strength sides in their clash. The students felt the loss of Lymarah Whaurerau up front as they struggled to penetrate a well organised Tech defensive unit. Mogsy Stroud and Katie Cockrem were outstanding for Tech combining well with patient build ups and intelligent option taking in providing quality ball for Bryone Hutchinson and Emma Neal upfront. Stroud opened the scoring but Mel Yule equalised just prior to the break. Tech lost inspirational centre half Nicky Pierce through injury but remained composed enough to stamp their authority on the game in the second half. Right wing Susan Dalton, in her first Premier game, assisting a tireless Neal and Hutchison in creating havoc around the Varsity circle. Hutchison regained the lead for Tech with a flick over the goalie from a PC and with another deft flick increased the lead to give Tech a well deserved and morale boosting 3-1 victory. Kylie Morgan and Yule worked hard for Varsity but were starved of the ball for long periods. In the other games Tauranga Utd 2 defeated Onewhero/Pukekohe 0, Intercity Reserve Women Bradley's Bunch Te Awamutu 6 (Sarah Hobden 4 Angela Williams 2)		Papakura 0 Te Awamutu Blue 3 (Jacky Wolf 2 Sue Bollen) BOP Ngapuna 0 In-Sign-Out University 1 Rotorua Indians 3 Southern Utd B 3 Puke Utd Blue 4 McDonalds University 1 (Bridget McLean) Fraser Tech Dev 2 (Katrina Smith 2) Unfortunately due to coaching commitments I was unable to catch the Men's Reserve games.