Secondary School hockey concluded for 2002 with finals being played across all grades. A notable and pleasing outcome was the sharing of titles amongst nine schools.

While major interest centred on the premier titles the lower divisions were also fiercely contested. Epitomising this on field determination was the Girls D final where a local derby matched Te Kuiti and Piopio who both battled away before eventually drawing 1-1 and sharing the title.

As usual Finals Night brought drama, colour and noise fuelled by vociferous school mates, parents and the on field action. The premier boys' final as expected was closely contested, reflecting earlier matches between the two teams. Continuing the improvement they showed all year, St Paul's played with skill and commitment to secure an early advantage. With Chris Mahon starring in defence behind an attack lead by Nic Quinn and Jacob Cook, St Paul's appeared likely to upstage HBHS for the second consecutive year. However a late rally sparked by a Duncan Thorne counter attack, resulted in an equaliser and the Forster Shield being shared for 2002.

The real spectacle however, unfolded in the Girls' premier final when an improved Diocesan team successfully capitalised on their belated entry to the final, following a contentious semi-final game with Hillcrest High. From the hit off Diocesan played with an all-round intensity and skill too infrequently seen in Waikato school girl hockey.

Establishing an early territorial and psychological advantage, Diocesan were relentless in out-gunning HGHS who had dominated earlier rounds of the competition. Apart from a few forays by HGHS, the 2-0 half time advantage secured by Diocesan proved to be the winning edge in a final 2-1 result. The Diocesan forwards lead by Gemma Overmire, Simone Hallet-Petty and Holly Riini rewarded the service and mobility of their experienced midfielders Rachel and Rebecca Smith and the unflappable defence of Hannah Smith. For HGHS their was only disappointment after appearing as the form team throughout the season.

More games of this quality and intensity between the leading girls' teams is a prospect to really savour for next season.

Competition winners Boys Grades A St Pauls & HBHS
B Fraser High
C St Johns
D Fraser & HBHS White
U15A St Pauls
U15B HBHS Argyle


Girls Grades A Diocesan
B Melville
C HGHS Seniors
D Te Kuiti & Piopio
U15A Diocesan & HGHS A
U15B Fraser & HGHS B