REIGNING Newcastle men's hockey premiers Norths showed they were back on track to retain their title when they beat traditional rivals Souths 3-0, in the match of the day at the International Hockey Centre on Sunday.
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Souths went into the game as the competition leaders and will probably retain their position until all deferred games, caused by wet weather, are played. But they will need to sharpen their attack if their game against Norths is any indication.
They opened the game in a hurry and launched attacks, but some scrappy finishing and poor shooting options allowed Norths to work their way back into the match and started to control the midfield through some strong efforts by captain Theo Gruscka and Nick Hill.
When Norths notched their first goal through striker Shaun Frazer the game changed and the premiers never looked in danger.
Two more goals, both by Gruscka, sealed a solid win.
The Lions were best served by Ben King and Nat Skiliros, who had his best game of the season.
The Entrance, last year's grand finalists, showed they were on track for a repeat effort when they downed Gosford 7- 0 in the local Central Coast derby.
With Dan Carter and Luke Witchhard scoring a brace and NSW under-21 squad member Isaac Johnson in top form, Gosford couldn't stop the goals.
In other matches Maitland and University kept their top-four hopes alive with the Rams beating Tigers 9-1 and the students beating Wests 6-3.
In women's premier league, Regals retained their top spot with a hard-fought and somewhat scrappy 2-1 win against the lowly placed Tigers
Regals striker Kiani Lowe notched both goals while captain Teresa Blair was the driving force behind the win.
Central beat Souths 3-1, thanks to a double by Gabby Purcell and a strong all-round game by Emily Ray while teenagers, Ashley Ninnes and Yasmin Skene did well for Souths.
University kept their top-four hopes alive with a strong 2-1 win against Oxfords.