Lions pair Ben Hanlan and Seb Rollings scored at either end of the third quarter as part of a 2-1 win over the Blues at Newcastle International Hockey Centre.

NSW Pride representative Ky Willott halved the margin for Norths in the final term.

"I think we showed a lot of determination and really had to dig deep," Bisson said.

The other third-round match between University and Gosford was postponed with the Students raising coronavirus concerns about Sydney-based players in the Magpies squad. Wests had the bye.

Next up Souths are due to host Gosford and Norths meet Wests. Uni has the bye.

In the Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association premier league on Saturday and it was the same 2-1 scoreline recorded by Oxfords and Gosford in wins over Tigers and Regals respectively while Central easily accounted for Univeristy 5-0.

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