Dalefield 3
Hutt United 4
The women’s intercity match between Farriers Dalefield and Hutt United at the Trust House Hockey Complex on Saturday went exactly as it was expected to … down to the wire.
Ultimately, the difference between the two sides came down to a field goal conversion, an area where Dalefield is yet to meet with success.
“We are 0-4 on conversions in two games so far,” co-coach Katherine Reisima said.
“We will keep practising for sure. Maybe if we convert one, we will get the lift we need.”
Hutt raced to a 3-0 lead after a well-taken penalty corner opened the scoring, followed by a field goal and, crucially, the ensuing shootout success, which would prove so important.
Dalefield settled and got on the scoresheet in the second quarter when Felicity Reidy reacted quickly in the circle. The conversion attempt missed, and it was 3-1 to Hutt at halftime.
Much of the second half belonged to Dalefield as they pressed effectively and created numerous turnovers.
A second goal came in the third quarter when Pippa Raleigh, in the right place at the right time, made the final touch on a pass into the circle. The shootout to tie the scores was unsuccessful.
Dalefield had enough scoring opportunities in the final quarter to draw, if not win the game, but didn’t capitalise on the chances.
Reisima was philosophical after the match.
“It’s not often you come from the field after a loss feeling happy. But we played really well in parts; our passing game was working as we would like it, but we just couldn’t get that extra goal.
“One thing’s for sure, we competed hard, and we know we’ve got their number, so next time we meet, it could be a different story.”
MEN
Dalefield 13
Bay Independent 1
As the scoreline suggests, the Intercity match in Palmerston North had a decidedly one-way look about it.
With better structure and more skill on the ball, Dalefield imposed their greater experience to overwhelm the competition newcomers.
Dalefield wanted to produce more effective linking through the field, and they achieved that in bucket-loads.
“We let the ball go, and we had so much more fluidity as a result,” co-coach Benedict van Woerkom said.
“We had players making a pass and then moving into space. It sounds straightforward enough, but it requires a certain discipline. It was a big step up from the previous week.”
Dalefield scored four field goals and converted three of them. Dane Lett’s drag-flick netted him four goals as Dalefield converted six of 10 penalty corners.
