by Catherine McLean

The Waikato Year 5/6 Girls ‘A’ Team has continued with their “winning streak” for the 2nd consecutive year, as they did not lose a game, or concede a goal while attending the McGrath Under 11 Tournament in Rotorua held during the first week of the holidays. They were convincing tournament winners scoring a total of 17 goals in their 4 games of pool play, before playing North Harbour “A” in the final, and beating them 1-0.
The team, coached by Catherine McLean, (who was the Assistant Coach to last years winning team), began playing in the Intermediate “A” Grade competition in Hamilton at the beginning of Term 3, and also played in Tri Series Tournaments held in Pukekohe, Hamilton and Whangarei during August and September.
“The girls have worked hard with their fitness over the last 3 months and were focused on good nutrition and eating habits before and after games and training. Not only have their individual skills improved, but also their ability to play as a team. This, together with the other skills taken on board by the girls at this early age must abide well for the future of Waikato hockey.”

The Waikato Girls Development Team coached by Debbie Broadhead also showed great improvement over the tournament.

TEAM PHOTO and Players Names
Back left. Sandra Brewer (Manager), Jamie Brewer (Umpire), Catherine McLean (Coach)
Middle Row: Joanna Bishop, Kelsey Hodge, Cassandra Smith, Hannah-Rose Elia, Megan Brewer (Vice-Captain), Chante Stokes, Anna Dawson, Olivia Scotland
Front Row: Sarah Mackie, Piata Emery, Hannah McLean, Neve McLean (Captain), Kendal Slight, Claudia Reid, Codie Finch

Waikato Yr5/6 Girls “A” 2007 McGrath Tournament results:
vs BOP 3-0
vs Counties Manakau 8-0
vs Poverty Bay 2-0
vs North Harbour Dev 4-0
FINAL vs North Harbour “A” 1-0