Kristy Anderson battles for possession against Karori. PHOTOS/JADE CVETKOV
HOCKEY
CHRIS COGDALE
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Dalefield have secured their place in the top four of the Wellington Women’s Hockey Premiership.
A depleted side, missing several players at the National Under 18 tournaments, scored an impressive 3-1 victory over Karori at Clareville on Saturday.
One of the replacement players, Kristy Anderson, opened the scoring for the home side in the first quarter, before Karori equalised in the second quarter.
Monique Edwards restored Dalefield’s lead shortly afterwards, and then added the decisive third goal in the final quarter.
Coach Michael O’Connor was pleased with the outcome.
“It was a good win, given that we were so depleted in numbers, but the players we called in did really well.”
“The first 10 minutes were a bit patchy, but once we found our rhythm, we were pretty good.”
The win guarantees Dalefield a place in the playoffs.
They are in third place on 24 points, four shy of second placed Harbour City.
With two tough games remaining against fourth placed Victoria University and runaway leaders Hutt United, the chances of Dalefield overtaking Harbour City for second place and two lives in the playoffs are slim.
Meanwhile the Dalefield men stuttered to a 4-2 victory over Harbour City in their Wellington Premiership game.
Dalefield had won their previous encounter 8-0 and it looked like the floodgates would open again, when player-coach Dane Lett forced a turnover, dribbled into the circle and easily found the back of the net in the first minute.
Instead mistakes that had dogged Dalefield most of the season crept back into their game and they struggled to put away numerous chances.
Striker Rowan Yeo extended the lead to 3-0 with two goals, before Harbour fed off the home team’s mistakes and scored two goals in the third quarter.
That fired up Dalefield and a goal to Zac Hardie in the final quarter secured a scratchy win.
Co-manager Bernie Lett said the result was a little bit disappointing.
“We didn’t click, we were lethargic, and once we went a goal up early on, our intensity dropped away and our mistakes let them back in the game, especially in the third quarter, which was our worst quarter.”
“Our expectations are high, and with all the possession and territory we had we should’ve done more with it, but basic mistakes let them off the hook.”
Despite not performing to their high standards, Dalefield are second in the league and are guaranteed two lives for the playoffs.
