Midlands sides set for run into finals

The Midlands women's side virtually assured themselves of a place in Sunday's National Hockey League finals with an impressive 2-0 win over North Harbour yesterday.

The Hymie Gill-coached side got goals from Tambra McGarvey, who deflected in a Clarissa Eshuis penalty corner strike, and Eshuis, who scored with a penalty stroke created by Jess Bagley, to share top spot with Central with one round remaining in Christchurch tomorrow.

Only a heavy defeat against Central coupled with a big win by North Harbour would push Bayleys Midlands out of a final match-up against Central.

The Midlands men's team are also in with a strong chance of defending their title after a 5-0 hammering of Southern yesterday pushed them to the top of the table.

"We played pretty well after yesterday's disappointment and it's quite exciting to have enough points now to probably be in the final," Gill said yesterday as his side bounced back from a loss to Canterbury on Wednesday.

"To stop North Harbour scoring was a credit to our defence," said Gill.

He had praise for Eshuis and fellow defender Parekura Rangitauira, right half Sophie Wickens and Shannon Cochrane.

"Sam Charlton at centre half also did a great job at breaking down their attacks."

Gill was unsure of how he'd treat tomorrow's match against Central, which seems certain to also be the final the following day.

"That's something we'll talk about with the team."

The Darren Smith-coached men's outfit overtook Wellington with their comfortable win as Hugo Inglis, Raynesh Smith, Andy Hayward, Richard Petherick and Casey Henwood all netted for last year's winners.

"We played well but were probably a smidgen wasteful and could have done even better," Smith said.

"We got ahead early but wasted a couple of opportunities in the second half."

Previous tournament leaders Wellington registered a 2-2 draw with North Harbour yesterday, as Matt L'Hullier continued his great drag flick form by slotting his seventh goal for Wellington.

Midlands can clinch a place in the final with a win or a draw tomorrow against North Harbour, who are third on 13 points.

"It's going to be tough we'll be working hard on defending their counter-attacks and will need to tackle well," Smith said.

- © Fairfax NZ News