The 1st Hockey played well in the Pitu Quadrangular on Saturday and Sunday at St Paul’s. We beat MacLean’s College 5- 0, and Tauranga BHS 3 -0 on the Saturday but narrowly lost to Westlake BHS 2 -1 on Sunday morning who placed second at Rankin Cup in 2012. Westlake BHS won the Quad on goal difference from second place St Paul’s.
St Paul’s created many opportunities in their games but failed at times to take their opportunities in the opposition circle. This was very noticeable against Maclean College 5 – 0 and Westlake BHS. We played our best game against Tauranga BHS who had beaten us 4- 1 in June. This game proved to be very tiring with Sean Henley-Smith and Sam Holmes cramping in the final minutes of the game. This did not stop the younger players who stepped up to help score two valuable goals in the final minutes to regain the Ballantyne Trophy and to secure a semi – final place in the Midlands competition.
Alec Wilson should be congratulated for his 100th game for the 1st XI a fantastic achievement from an exceptionally talented hockey player and skilled leader.
The tournament proved to be very valuable in helping the team prepare for the National Tournament in Wellington.
