St Paul’s Collegiate School’s 1st XI boys’ hockey team won the Pitu Shield over the weekend at an annual tournament held at St Paul’s between three of New Zealand leading hockey teams: St Paul’s 1st XI boys, Westlake Boys 1st XI and Rosmini College 1st XI.
St Paul’s were up against tough competition on the first day competing against 2016 national champions, Westlake Boys. Despite the tough competition, St Paul’s managed to win by a landslide scoring five goals against the opposition’s one.
The following day, St Paul’s played Rosmini College which proved to be a more challenging game than the day prior.
St Paul’s Hockey Manager Gary Henley Smith said the team managed to put together some good phases but failed to convert their early opportunities against a gritty and determined Rosmini College.
Henley Smith said towards the end of first half St Paul’s players were feeling the pressure to step-up.
The team managed to turn the game around, scoring two goals by the end of the second half. They continued to dominate with “exceptional passing and excellent teamwork” leading to a 8-3 win.
