1st XI Hockey – Rankin Cup/India Shield, North Harbour

Week six (tournament week) saw the St Bede’s 1st XI take flight to sunny Auckland to brave the traffic and take on NZ’s top school hockey teams. 32 teams broken into 8 pools played it out over the first 2 days with the top teams advancing onto play in the Rankin Cup with the 3rd and 4th teams moving into the India Shield competition. Unfortunately, we were placed in the ‘Pool of Death’ with Timaru Boy’s and John McGlashan College. The first two days results were a loss to John McGlashan and a draw against both Timaru and Otago boys – consequently placing us in the India Shield (bottom 16) component of the tournament. It is worthy to note that St Bede’s was the current holder of the India Shield from back in the 2019 competition – historically SBC best result at this tournament.

Once playing in the India shield each game becomes a must win in order to advance to the finals. For the next 3 days we had great results (wins) against, Rangitoto College 7-0, Rathkeale College 3-0 and the old foe, Christchurch Boys 2-1. Off to the finals we went, unfortunately we came up against a steadfast opposition in Wairarapa that were well up for the challenge. After going down early 2-0 we made a resurgence and clawed back 2-1 going into the final few minutes. Unfortunately, with all the pressure we still couldn’t get one past the goalie and the final score remained at 2-1. A result to be proud of and a silver medal to hangaround the necks of the Bedeans. The boys have done themselves proud and looked well placed for next years challenge and the opportunity to break into the Rankin Cup.

A very big thanks to the vastly experienced coaches Matt Walcott, Ben Grimshaw and Emil Collins. A big thankyou also to Kerry Sullivan – our amazing teacher in charge of hockey.

We thank the year 13’s for their contribution to the 1st XI this year and wish them the very best for 2023 – Ben O’Kane (captain), Brad Coll, Will Pattinson and Nic Mones-Cazon.

Damian Neale (manager)

2nd XI Hockey National Tournament - Blenheim

Off the back of an outstanding season winning the Christchurch Secondary schools division1 competition the 2nd XI made a relatively late decision in the season to go to Hockey NZ 2022 Galletly Cup hosted by Marlborough Hockey in Blenheim.

The competition was split between two pools A and B, St Bedes struck the slightly tougher pool B. The first game against Marlborough Boys was won with the boys dominating play most of the game taking a 3-0 win. The next game played under lights in the evening against Westlake Boys, who brought a whole new level of intensity to the game, we were perhaps not as prepared for. Westlake welcomed us to the tournament winning 4-0!

The rest of pool play we won against Wellington Boys 1-0; Lost against Timaru Boys 4-1; Won against Napier College 2-1 taking us to 3rd place in the pool having played 5 games in three days.

The semi final saw us play a grudge match against Christ’s College, a very tight game with us scoring in the closing minutes winning by 1-0. We took great satisfaction winning as we remain unbeaten against them all season.

Our final was a rematch against Wellington College for 5th and 6th position in the tournament. A thrilling game with the final score 0-0 forcing a shootout! Credit to goalie, Liam Presland, who stayed cool under immense pressure to save all the goals against him winning the shootout 2-0 and taking 5th place overall. An amasing achievement from the boys and certainly providing great experience for the players.

Acknowledgement to the Year 13’s who played their last came of hockey for St Bedes; Captain Deagan Agnew, Vice-Captain Angus McEwan and Kirk Williams, thanks for your leadership in the team!

A very big thankyou to George Baker and Josh Irwin for their massive contribution to the coaching of this team and to Jill McArthur for her support at tournament,

Umpiring – Kaden Watson

We would also like to acknowledge and congratulate Kaden Watson (year 10) for being appointed as an umpire to the Coaches Cup tournament in Nelson during tournament week.

This was Kaden’s first official tournament as an umpire and he was the youngest umpire by many years of age. The experience and growth Kaden gained at tournament was first class and St Bede’s Hockey are very proud of his achievements - not only was he selected to umpire the 3rd/4th match at this tournament but he had also umpired three finals during Canterbury Hockey finals weekend.

Well done Kaden, it is wonderful to see young players giving back to the sport like this. 

A reminder about PRIZEGIVING; SUNDAY 11 SEPT 4PM IN THE PAC - ALL WELCOME