Waikato Beez Team 2002 - Holden Cup winners.

by Debi Howe - SMB Waikato Women Beez hockey squad brought back the Holden Cup from the National Tourney. First time Waikato had entered a B team into the competition and we came home with the medals. Wasn't an easy road to the cup, despite thrashing BOP in the opening game 8-2. Our second game against Taranaki was a real battle, with the play see-sawing from one end to the other. Mel finally stole the wining goal for Waikato Beez via a brilliant deflection from a smashing pass across the circle. Wednesday was another fairly safe game against East Coast, with The Beez winning 4-0. Friday put a bit of a spanner in the works, the Beez drew 0-0 with South Otago. The lack of points meant that the final round robin game against Auckland became the divisional final. Auckland were in good spirits in the opening stages of game, as they had already beaten an early version of the Waikato Beez team prior to tournament. However, their smiles were soon turned upside down when Vanessa scored from a set play early in the first half. Again the play see-sawed from end to end in the second half until Mel scored the clincher. Auckland mentally lost the plot from then and never looked to threaten Waikato's lead. Waikato Beez Team 2002 - Holden Cup winners.