Hero photograph
 
Photo by Michelle Smith

Pitu Hockey Tournament

St Paul's Collegiate School —

Three 1st XI hockey teams (from St Paul’s, Tauponui-a-Tia College and Whangarei Boys’ High School) played each other over the weekend of 4th / 5th August as preparation for the upcoming national tournament, Rankin Cup.

St Paul’s played Taupo first up on the Saturday morning. St Paul’s began well, almost scoring in the first minute. However, lapses in concentration and not following the game plan allowed Taupo to score twice in the first half. Another goal early in the second half and St Paul’s trailed by three goals. This kick-started the team and Sam McClay scored from a PC, followed by Constantin Gebhard. Despite dominating the final five minutes, St Paul’s failed to equalise and went down 2-3.

In the afternoon, Whangarei Boys’ convincingly beat Taupo 5-1. So, St Paul’s knew they were up against it for the Sunday match.

St Paul’s were a different team in this match – full of enthusiasm and commitment. Excellent communication between the layers saw them dominate the first half. George Greenhill scored early, and several other shots were saved well by the Whangarei keeper.

Goals to George Greenhill and Sam McClay early in the second half saw St Paul’s go out to a three-goal lead. Whangarei fought back with two goals, but strong defence gave St Paul’s a well-deserved victory.

Standout players over the weekend were: Sam Lints, George Greenhill and Callum Prosser.