AN undermanned Norths held on to third spot with a plucky 1-1 draw with Magpies in Division 1 women’s hockey on Saturday.
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The defending premiers found themselves under siege midway through the first half with the Magpies dominating the midfield through Sam Daly and Erin McNair and Maddy Knight dangerous in attack.
The teams went into the break 1-1 and despite both having chances in the second term neither could break the deadlock.
Best for Magpies were Georgia McCormick, Daly, Knight and the hardworking Kate Mason.
Norths were best served by defender Quinn Reid, dangerous striker Jaymie Plas and a tireless effort from Brooke Purtell.
A six-goal second half saw Falcons beat Wombats 7-2.
Ladder leader United had a solid 4-0 win over a dogged Wodonga team with key players missing.
In the men’s competition, Magpies dominated against Norths, scoring three goals in each half.
Ben Allen made the most of his lightning pace to help the Magpies to a 3-1 half-time lead.
In the second stanza Brenton Newnham and the determined Angus Burnett continued to apply the pressure and establish a match-wining lead before three late goals to Norths pulled the score back to 6-4.
Magpies were best served by Allen (until injured), the influential Newnham, Simon Wright and Burnett.
Norths were led by the evergreen Andrew Wilkes, Jeremy Payne and Brandon Purtell.
Wodonga caused a significant 4-3 upset of previously undefeated United.
Falcons kept their top four chances alive with a 1-0 win over Wombats.
— VIEW FROM THE STAND