Kim Tanner , Lydia Velzian and Zac Woods have all just been named in the NZ U16 “Tiger Turf” squads in recognition of excellent performances at their recently completed National tournaments.
The Waikato Under 16 girls’ team narrowly lost the final 2-1 at their National Tournament held in Christchurch. This group of players have consistently been well performed and led by Tanner, Velzian, Kayla Wilson, Rosie Bird, Gabrielle Gardiner, Abbey Rutz, and Natasha Jaques, has had one third, two seconds, and won Collier (National U13’s) in the last five years. Of those encounters, four finals and one a semi, all have been against Canterbury with Waikato prevailing once 1-0 to win Collier losing twice in regulation on the field, and lost twice only after strokes.

In a bold selection move by coach Kirsten Petrie, 13yo Alia Jaques justified her selection in being joint top goal scorer along side Rosie Bird with four goals each and her future potential for National recognition also looks bright.

The U16 boys containing Woods, also performed admirably and were unbeaten in regulation play Consecutive penalty shootout losses in the quarter final and playoff for 4th-8th against Counties and Auckland respectively saw them finish a disappointing 7th. This group of players have been greatly assisted with the advent of the Midlands high performance programme led by Darren Smith and with the Midlands U21 teams providing six members (Ricky Clarke, Ian Daniels, Tom Lysaght, Gemma Flynn, Cathryn Finlayson, & Frances Shaw) in the recently named Junior Black Stick squads to contest the Junior World cup in Malaysia next year, the future looks bright for the region.

(Hockey Sports writer Vaughan Hilton was equally proud of his son Blair, who also made the Junior Black Sticks squad)