NZSS Gary Sowden Girls Tournament at A&P Park Blenheim 2023.

Day 1.  After a long drive from Timaru the girls settled in at their motel in Blenheim. In their first game they played really well against a well organised Wellington St Mary's College and came out with a well deserved draw. Emily Duncan opened the goals for the MVHS team with an expertly taken goal! The player of the match for this game was our keeper Emjay Gale who communicated our team pattern really well and encouraged the team throughout the game. In the second game against Rangiora the team displayed our capacity to work through the entire game. And although we went down in this game the team can be proud of the way they worked together especially on defence. Our player the match was Emily Duncan who lead the midfield. Lessons learnt from this game are not to play a full game with a pen in your boot Bella!  And to keep your eye on the ball at all times to stop it hitting you on the head, Emjay - but she still saved the goal!

Day 2. Again we were spoilt with awesome weather in Blenheim for the second day of our tournament. The girls went up against a well drilled team from Whanganui. It was a very competitive game with both teams showing good skill. The MVHS girls stuck to their defensive structures which allowed them to build attack from hard fought possession. In a sweeping move, shortly after half time the ball was won in defence by Rachel Duncan, it then progressed through the midfield where Emily Duncan played a sweetly timed roll through for Teagan Marett (Geraldine High School). Teagan drove into the 18 yard box and Evie Bennett latched on to the cross to put the ball in the back of the net. As it turned out this was the match winning goal with the team playing well to keep a clean sheet. Final score was a 1-0 win for MVHS giving the team 2nd in their pool. This means MVHS progresses to the top half of the draw in knock out play, which will be a great challenge for our developing team. Our MVP for this match was Evie Bennett who was involved in so much of the pressure the attack were creating. The girls then enjoyed an afternoon of mini golf and retail therapy!

Day 3. This saw the girls in the challenge of the top half of the draw. In the first game the team came up against a well performing Papanui, and although they lost this game they again showed true Mountie mahi in they way they approached the game. The MVP was Emily Duncan who worked tirelessly throughout the game setting the tone for the team. In the second game the girls played Burnside High School and couldn't quite find the winning goal in regular time despite creating some opportunities. So this game went to penalties. Unfortunately the team went down 3-2 on penalties. The MVP of this match was Teagan Marett. The coaches are so proud of this group of girls, the way they play football is improving in every game and the character they show by encouraging each other is awesome. The excellent play they have shown at this tournament means Thursday they play off for 7/8th. Bring it on!  Finally a shout out to the officials, refs and assistant refs who are doing a brilliant job supporting this tournament!

Final Wrap!    In their final match of the tournament the team performed really well; creating opportunities, encouraging each other and working hard right to the end. Although they went down in this close game they can be super proud of their tournament. The MVP for this game was Shayla Murray. Each player improved and learnt what it was like to play at this high level of football. To finish 8th in the tournament is a credit to each member of the squad.
Special mention to the Year 13s in the team, Ryleigh Davis (Opihi College) and Tegan Marett (Geraldine High School), who were great leaders in the group. The MVHS teams tournament MVP was Emily Duncan who was classy and hard working throughout. In recognition of the way the MVHS team played the game they were awarded the Fair Play team of the tournament. Now we look forward to next year! “Mountie clap on three!!!”

Thank you to Jackie, Phillipa and team who helped get this team to tournament. And finally a special thank you to the team manager, Alysha Watson, who did an amazing job of keeping the team organised, strapped, rubbed down and enjoying the week! Thank you Alysha

Congratulations! on receiving the Fair Play Team Award
and congratulations to Emily Duncan for the Team MVP Awards