A wrap-up of the 2019 year.

St Bede’s Hockey Success, Canterbury and NZ Representative Honours, and National Tournament in Christchurch this year

2019 has seen St Bede’s Hockey go from strength to strength. We have four teams entered in the secondary school competition this year and for the first time in many years, the 1st XI are currently sitting top of the table and hold the coveted Connetics Challenge Shield, following a hard-fought 1-0 win over St Andrew’s College two weeks ago. 

They have retained the shield for the summer after holding Timaru Boys' High to a 3-3 draw last week. The boys have worked hard over the off-season to prepare for this season, putting in many early hours at the gym, having sessions on nutrition, mental skills, and umpiring, as well as doing sprint training and building on their team culture. This has all been organised and overseen by Steve Baker, who has also welcomed other junior players to many of these sessions, to encourage the future development of hockey at St Bede’s. Coaches Matt Walcott and Ben Grimshaw have also put in extra time and work with all the boys to ensure an unbeaten season so far. Their hard work has paid off, although the business end of the season is still ahead with a semi-final against Christchurch Boys' High tonight. All teams in the competition are very close this year, with tough games week after week.

The team has appreciated the support of the many St Bede’s students, led by Head Boy Dom Gardiner, who have come down to Nga Puna Wai to cheer them on over the last few games. Hoping for more of the same as we head towards our tough semi-final. Come down and watch the skill and agility of our boys in red!

St Bede’s Hockey has an exchange programme which has been in place for several years with Kings Bruton School in Somerset, England. This year we have welcomed Aled Downes who is a vital member of our First XI as a striker, and is attending St Bede’s until September. Charlie Hall went to England in January for three months, staying in their boarding house, and has returned with enhanced skills and strategies.

The 2nd XI, coached by Ben Chorley and Josh Kumbaroff,  have many Year 9 and 10 boys who are developing their skills and fitness, and are mentored and encouraged by the older boys in the team. They are in a tough competition and have had to work hard on defence this year, but are building for next year. Several of the players have had games for the 1st XI which they have enjoyed. This team is travelling to Oamaru for the 2nd XI tournament in September.

Rangers, coached by Liam Toomey and Chris Cronje, have improved each week taking on board what Chris teaches them during their Monday training sessions, and then applying it to their game on Friday. All the boys seem to be enjoying themselves and are looking on form to make top four after a slow start to the season.

The Colts are our younger team with predominantly Year 9 and 10 players, and are coached by Ms. McArthur. Although not necessarily getting lots of wins under their belt, the boys are enjoying their hockey and morale is high. Quinn Miller has stepped up as goalie and consistently keeps the team in the game.

This year has seen several of our 1st XI players gain places in Under 18 Canterbury teams –

• George Baker, Joe Morrison and Charlie Morrison in the Regional (A) team and,
• Charlie Hall, Travis Brydon, and ex-Bedean Rupert Naughton in the Association (B) team.

Both teams won their respective National Tournaments, with Joe Morrison also being awarded MVP of the tournament.

From these tournaments an Under 18 NZ Development Squad has recently been named with both George Baker and Joe Morrison being selected.

This year, for the first time since the earthquakes, the National School Hockey Tournament (Rankin Cup) is being held in Christchurch at the new Nga Puna Wai hockey turfs, with many games also being held at Marist Park at St Bede’s.

Our 1st XI has a tough draw, with both St Andrew’s and Timaru Boys' High being in their pool. They play both these teams on day 1, with their second game on Monday 2 Sept being at 2.40pm AT ST BEDE’S. The support of their fellow students to capitalise on the home turf advantage would be fantastic. Instead of heading straight home on Monday 2 Sept, come over to the hockey turf and cheer the boys on!

Tuesday 3 Sept also sees a home game vs Lindisfarne at 10.40am.

St Bede’s Hockey Club would like to thank the following for their support this year:

• Texco Group for their generous sponsorship
• Nick Harris – Club Patron
• Kerry Sullivan – Teacher in Charge of Hockey
• Steve Baker – Pre-season and fitness coordinator
• All our volunteer coaches and managers, and parents for their support each week.