John Paul II Students compete in U15 Boys West Coast, South Island Hockey Tournament

During the first week of the school holidays, JPII students Clem Swinburn, Isaac Wallis and Mark Morrison joined their West Coast team mates to play in the U15 Tier 2 South Island Tournament in Christchurch. With Covid-19 restrictions it was unknown whether the tournament would be able to go ahead, right up to the week before.  This left limited training time, and only two warm up tournaments instead of three being able to be played in the build up to this event, players and supporters were just happy it was going ahead. 

Coach Anthony Haslam had focused on fitness, and from the the first game this showed in the Coast teams speed and endurance, winning their first game against Marlborough 2-1 (just before lockdown in Blenheim, the same team had beaten them). They improved again in the second game beating North Otago 3-1, then Canterbury Black 7-2 and drawing with Otago 1-1. Their only loss was against Canterbury Red 3-1, finishing top of their pool, set to play off with Otago, this game finished in a 2 all draw but the Coast team came away with the win due to the goal differential of 4.

Clem and Isaac were a tight defensive unit all tournament, and Mark's versatility in several positions was really effective. The whole team played well as a team, our goalie Sam Levien was outstanding, he saved many goals and was a great backstop for our team. The team was under great leadership from Franklin Barry, and all the boys wore the Coast colours proudly.

Many thanks to Thomas Coates for coaching at the tourney for Hassie, Mandy Taylor as Manager, and Suzy Taylor as Chef.

During the Tournament we also fitted in several activities in our down time this included : Dodge Ball, Lazer Tag, Hot Pools at Brighton Beach, and going to the Movies. We stayed at the North South Motor Camp and played most of our games at the Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub.  It was a great tournament and it was also great to get into the finals and win!

By Doreen Pugh