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Top two Chch hockey teams to clash

By

KEVIN TUTTY

Pegasus and Harewood have been in a two-way race for the Christchurch premier men’s hockey championship for several weeks and tomorrow they meet at Porritt Park to decide the 1989 champion. Pegasus, the titleholder, must be favoured to win the title again. It needs only a draw to keep the championship — it is a point ahead of Harewood — while Harewood must win to capture the title it lost to Pegasus last year. Harewood will sorely miss its two New Zealand representatives, Chris Leslie and David Penfold, who have not returned yet from the InterContinental Cup tournament in Madison.

Pegasus has all its players available and for that reason should have an edge on Harewood which will be relying

on some younger players in key positions. The key to a Pegasus success will be its forward line. David Grundy, John Radovonich, Greg Clark and Craig Mcßobb are swift and efficient forwards aided by the tireless inside-left, Phil Teague. If these players are allowed to roam free to accept passes Harewood will pay dearly. It will have to mark tightly for 70 minutes. Any lapse of concentration will be fatal. Grant Edwards will be Harewood’s key forward on the right wing. Phil Burke at inside-right and Phil Temple at inside-left are young players shouldering a heavy burden, but have shown this season that they will not shirk their duties. The quality of passing by the centre-halves — Guy

Edlin (Pegasus) and Mike Skilton (Harewood) — will also be vital factors for their sides. If one can gain a dominance in the mid-field it will be a distinct advantage. Pegasus and Harewood have played twice this year. Harewood won a pre-season tournament and the sides had a scoreless draw in the first round of the championship. Both teams will be grateful for the artificial surface at Porritt Park which is proving its worth this season. The players know they will have a fast, perfect surface for tomorrow’s match.

The one worrying aspect of the game is that these two sides are so far ahead of their rivals. It is an illustration that the standard of premier men’s hockey in Christchurch is not high — a malaise that extends to the national scene.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19890722.2.123.1

Bibliographic details

Press, 22 July 1989, Page 34

Word Count
376

Top two Chch hockey teams to clash Press, 22 July 1989, Page 34

Top two Chch hockey teams to clash Press, 22 July 1989, Page 34