This season was hard work for the Hockey 1st XI, which ended up paying off at the end of the season. 

This year's 1st Xl was a fresh team compared to last year but since the first game, no one could tell. We started with an 8-1 win and this trend only continued throughout the season as we began to grow as individuals and as a team. 

There were some hard fought games where it became incredibly hard but we pulled through with a win in all but one of the games, being a 0-0 draw with the team we faced in the final. 

The dedication and effort of the team through team and individual practices was beyond impressive, so being rewarded with a spot in the final was quite the treat. 

The night of the final, we were hit with nerves but with a little bit of music, a win from the OGHS 2nd XI prior to our game, the massive amount of support with signs made by students and a large number of teachers, families and friends, we were ready for the game. 

It was a nail biting game, being 0-1 to St Hilda’s after the first quarter, up until the fourth. Here, we could really see the passion for hockey that our girls had developed and their eagerness for a win as they exhausted all of their energy in the final quarter, getting two strokes and penalties, and keeping on the attack to pull through a 2-1 win. 

To mark the end of the successful season, we are hoping for a win against the Waitaki Girls’ and the Southland Girls’ teams this coming Wednesday. 

All of this wouldn't have been possible without our amazing coaches, managers and parents who gave us everything throughout this season. 

Hopefully with this team and a few new faces next year, we can move up in ranks and come out victorious at the top of the first division.