12.30pm Midland men v North Harbour
2.30pm Midland women v North Harbour
Sunday 10 October at Hamilton
12.30pm Midland men v Central
2.30pm Midland women v Central
Double Headers for Penultimate
Weekend of NHL
Bruce Rosemergy Reports...
Weekend of NHL
Bruce Rosemergy Reports...
Midland teams face another double round of games in the NHL this weekend. On Saturday both teams face title contenders North Harbour at Albany. Then back in Hamilton on Sunday they line up against Central. With all teams to play five games before the competition concludes in seven days, the coming week will be a challenging one for players and coaching staff.
From here on Midland women will be playing for pride and reputation in a desperate effort to get points on the board. Players and coaching staff will rue lost opportunities against Auckland when a competitive position evaporated in the closing minutes. Throughout the competition they have found goal scoring a challenge so they will be hoping that practice this week will have improved that facet of their game.
Both North Harbour and Central have several current internationals in their line ups. Midland women should relish the prospect of pitting themselves against some of the leading national player. With former local players Kate Mahon and Holly Riini also featuring for Harbour some individual match ups will be of special interest.
The following day spectators will be hoping that Central will field their rising stars Emily Naylor, Kayla Sharland and Tara Drysdale in Hamilton. Their clash with Robbie Matthews and Hilary Thompson will be a special feature. In recent years Matthews has had the wood on her international successors so there will be some points to prove and reputation to salve. Up front Kylie Morgan has shown glimpses of her best form, without converting penetrating midfield play into goals.
The next five games present an opportunity for the younger and less experienced players to test themselves against the leading teams and opponents. Coach Betty Dellaway is likely to be looking for improved ball retention and more creative off the ball running, to stretch defences and create goal scoring.
For the Midland men last weekends games yielded only a single point and some mutterings about a missed opportunity to wrest the fourth position on the points table, from North Harbour. As a result their clash at Albany will be critical for both teams. The following day , Midland will be keen to compound the woes of the Central men.
In the pivotal centre half role Seyi Onitiri has consistently been Midlands a stand out player. His vision, skills and mobility give him time, both in defensive situations and when unleashing counter attacks. That same consistency will be needed from the other key players. Under pressure captain Ian Haste has displayed a cool temperament and leadership qualities. Behind him, goal keeper Dean Armstrong played well against Northland, after a sub par performance flattered Auckland's scoring efforts. More of that form will be needed against North Harbour.
For a number of players the coming games will have personal significance. They will aim to convince Midland coaching staff and national selectors that they can compete at this level.
Saturday 9 October at Albany
12.30pm Midland men v North Harbour
2.30pm Midland women v North Harbour
Sunday 10 October at Hamilton
12.30pm Midland men v Central
2.30pm Midland women v Central
Bruce Rosemergy
Sportsforce Hockey
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