The First XI Hockey Boys completed a great season with a win in the final over Otago Boys High School 2nds.

The boys completed the season unbeaten with a hard fought but thoroughly deserved win in the Division 2 final. 

Under the pump from the whistle, OBHS swept onto attack and camped in our circle. Only heroic full body saves from Josh Hook kept them at bay. Finally, the pressure took its toll and we were 1 down. The lads rallied well and swung into action with several raids into their circle and a couple of penalty corners. The momentum had swung firmly our way and Nick Parata took advantage slotting one past their goalie. A quick attack by OB's saw a nice solo goal scored which sparked the lads even more. Senior players Fletcher Thomson, Nick Parata and captain Jackson Paulin showed clear heads and kept the team calm, firming up the defence and leading attacks. 

Going into the second half Nick Parata fired a tomahawk shot from the far left of the circle into the top right of the net. You'd travel a long way to see a better shot! Coach Rauin ran the bench well to keep fresh legs ticking over and it appeared that OB's key players were fading, again momentum swung our way. The future of Kavanagh hockey was reflected in Graysen Thomson's efforts around the field, tackling and attacking with vigor in his best game of the season.

In another freakish move, Parata recovered from his knees to launch a shot into the goal to put us in the lead. Defending penalty corner after penalty corner and tackling anything that moved the lads stayed strong to the final whistle. Chandler Rodriquez was a rock in defense, snuffing out many attacks and sending us onto attack. Sam Sherriff epitomised the commitment of everyone, walking off with a huge smile and blood on both elbows- how much skin has he lost this season?

A big thanks to all the supporters that turned up both for this game and all season, and a special thanks to coach Rauin for his commitment to this team over the last two years. Richly deserved title.

The best boys and girls combine to head off to the South Island mixed tournament on Sunday for a week of hockey. Good luck, represent Kavanagh with pride.