20 July 2004
The finalists for the women's final in intercity club hockey emerged at the weekend.
Te Awamutu comfortably beat Bazuka Sports University 3-1 in Hamilton. Despite a wealth of possession and territory, Varsity struggled to penetrate a defence where Lizzie Holmes and Catherine Drew were highly effective.
In the Varsity midfield Clarissa Eshuis posed a constant threat with her dribbling and passing. But the inability of Varsity's forwards to capitalise on their territorial advantage contrasted with the successful counter-attacking forays by Te Awamutu.
In an all-Waikato final next week, Te Awamutu will play Fraser Tech, who beat the leading qualifiers Aces 4-1 at Rotorua.
The major men's games featured two top of the table clashes. The results left five teams in contention for the four semifinal spots.
In Hamilton, an injury-ravaged Cook University were beaten 3-1 by Fraser Tech.
Sandeep Puna scored twice for Fraser Tech to provide further evidence that his rehabilitation from injury was progressing well. In the Varsity midfield Galih Singh was mobile and skilful.
The top-of-the-table clash between Tauranga Old Boys and Ecolab Suburbs ended in a 3-3 draw. While Suburbs scored the opening goal the teams swapped the lead at various stages with neither able to establish a decisive margin.
In Suburbs' goal, veteran keeper Geoff Williamson produced some fine aerial saves.
