7 June

Waikato U18's competed in the Regional tournament held at Gallagher Hockey Stadium over the weekend with mixed success. Waikato lived up to the expectations of being one of the sides to beat this year when defeating Counties 7-2 in their opening game.

Using width and depth well they built attacks almost at will, dominating possession and territory throughout. Richard Petherick scoring four goals from drag flicks at PC's, Tim Smith was well rewarded for a solid all round game in scoring twice and Michael Petherick completed the rout. Lapses in concentration by Waikato gave Counties openings which were converted by C Marr and L McCaw. Chris Slater and William Dobson ably assisted Smith & R Petherick in defense, whilst Cameron Cliff, Hayden Ripia and M Petherick created havoc on attack.

Consistency will be the key to success at the Under 18 Mens National Tournament being played in Palmerston North next month and Waikato were lucky to survive with a win in the following game against a plucky Thames Valley side. Although prevailing 3-2 through goals to Ripia, Cliff and M Petherick, basic errors cost them possession and opportunities. Playing in Pool A, Waikato faced the daunting task of having to win their last pool game against Auckland to gain direct entry to the tournament final. Auckland held the advantage through a superior goal difference and were impressive in their two previous pool games prevailing 7-0 against both Counties and Thames Valley. Waikato & Auckland supporters were unified in their praise of a resurgent Waikato side who took it to Auckland in blustery conditions. Dominating midfield possession was the key and Tim Smith stamped his class on the encounter with intelligent option taking and patient build ups. Joel Finn, stepping up to representative A level, repaid Coach Bruce Rosemergy 's faith in his elevation with a deft reverse stick tackle on the edge of the Auckland circle and his ensuing shot was cleverly deflected passed a stunned Auckland goalie by Michael Petherick. Auckland turned at the break with confidence and gained initial dominance. Patience was the key for Waikato's defense with Richard Petherick showing his experience, ably supported by Dobson, Smith, Slater & Matt Luxford in repelling would be attacks with consummate ease. R Petherick broke the Auckland resolve when converting a drag flick from a PC to give Waikato a deserved 2-0 win.

Pool B was dominated by North Harbour, who in defeating a strong Bay of Plenty side 5-1, showed that Waikato would have their work cut out to win the final. After repelling early Waikato dominance, North Harbour stunned the locals with a fast break away from a defensive PC and left goalie Jordon Englesman stranded when faced with three North Harbour attackers. Lewis Brill made no mistake when presented with an open goal to give Harbour the lead. Buoyed by their goal Harbour gained ascendancy and another fast break led to a shot past Englesman which Chris Slater appeared to save brilliantly off the line. The Tauranga official thought otherwise and awarded Harbour the goal to give them a winning advantage. Coach Rosemergy gave his bench all a good run in the prelude to the National tournament and Harbour ran away to complete a 4-0 win.

In the playoff for 3rd, Auckland proved too strong for Bay of Plenty, prevailing 3-1. Towering BOP goalie Flynn Hocart-Saunders belied his size in showing his agility and reflexes to deny Auckland early scoring chances. A clever through ball by George Bradshaw to an unmarked dangerous Auckland captain Hamish Baron broke the deadlock to give Auckland a 1-0 lead at half time. Bradshaw was again the provider when Lee Munro scored from close range. Baron and Bay of Plenty's S Holloway traded goals to complete the scoring.

Full Results

Pool A
Waikato 7 (R Petherick 4, T Smith 2, M Petherick) Counties 2 (C Marr, L McCaw)

Auckland 7 (P McCracken 4, D Harding 2, S Child, J Oades) Thames Valley 0

Waikato 3 (H Ripia, M Petherick, C Cliff) Thames Valley 2 (S Hurst 2)

Auckland 7 (A Jeram 2, J Oades, S O‚Conner, B Raubenheimer, P McCracken, G Bradshaw) Counties 0

Waikato 2 (M Petherick, R Petherick) Auckland 0

Counties 3 (J McDougall, C Marr, L McCaw) Thames Valley 2 (M Haywood, M Rawnsley)

Pool B
North Harbour 3 (N Joy, J Morris, N Capizzi) Tauranga 1 (J Hawley)

BOP 4 (H Mitai-Ngatai, T Dewes, J Carroll, R Peterson) Northland 0

North Harbour 4 (L Brill 2, N Joy, S Mitchell) Northland 2 (R Bruce, V Gillingham)

BOP 7 (S Holloway 2, T Dewes 2, O Wells 2, E Stokes) Tauranga 0

North Harbour 5 BOP 1(scorers not recorded)
Tauranga 2 (J Hawley, M Wilson) Northland 1 (M Watts)

Playoffs

1st/2nd North Harbour 4 (L Brill 2, D Green, C Exeter) Waikato 0

3rd/4th Auckland 3 (H Baron 2, L Munro) BOP 1 (S Holloway)

5th/6th Counties 2 (P Metcalfe, C Marr) Tauranga 1 (S Gifford)

7th/8th Thames Valley 4 (M Haywood, M Peters, M Rawnsley, S Hurst) Northland 0

Report by Vaughan Hilton