Trent Lett [black] was strong on defence. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
HOCKEY
Dalefield 2
Hutt United 1
CHRIS COGDALE
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Dalefield came from behind to beat Hutt United 2-1 at Clareville and retain their perfect record in the Hockey Wellington Men’s Premier Championship.
After a scoreless first quarter, Scott Barnett scrambled in a goal to open the scoring for Hutt early in the second quarter.
Player-coach Dane Lett replied with a drag flick from the only penalty corner Dalefield received to tie up the score 1-1 at halftime.
The home side had the better of the third quarter but were unable to make their advantage pay.
Jordan Cohen sealed the victory in the final quarter when he pounced on a loose ball and worked his way into the circle and fired a reverse shot into the back of the net.
Co-manager Bernie Lett said the team was thrilled with the outcome, but they didn’t make the most of the attacking opportunities they had.
“We got plenty of ball, and what we did really well was we pressed them really hard and created a lot of turnovers, and forced them into errors, but we’re still not making the most of those opportunities.”
For Dalefield, goalkeeper John Forsyth pulled off some good saves, while Trent Lett was strong on defence and Dane Lett controlled the midfield and set up a lot of play.
The win lifts Dalefield to 40 points, four ahead of Hutt with two rounds to play before the playoffs.
