challenge for the Hatch Cup

by Owen Embling

The Waikato Under 13 Boys’ Hockey Team opened their challenge for the Hatch Cup with a vital win over Counties Manukau in Napier yesterday. In a clash that could prove to be decisive in determining qualification for a place in the play-offs for the top 8 positions, the pressure was on Waikato to reverse a loss to Counties in the Somerville Cup earlier in the season.

In cool, persistent rain, Waikato opened the score early in the first half with a goal by Patrick Harrison from a cross from Matthew Rees-Gibbs. Waikato’s second goal came from Andrew Wong who scored with a deft scoop over a prone goalkeeper.

The rest of the first half was dominated by the Waikato team, both in terms of possession and territory. Zachery Woods at Centre Half was a stand out player as he dominated the mid-field defensively and then distributed the ball effectively into attack. He was ably assisted by Brad Knyvett and Ben Weir. Weir was particularly effective at feeding the ball to the wing forwards. The few forays by Counties into Waikato territory were effectively stifled by Logan Jacobs and Riley Jones who were determined and resourceful under pressure. Lewis Williamson in goal displayed confidence and coolness in goal and was easily able to clear the shots that came his way. Matthew Orr on the left wing worked exceptionally hard on the left wing and was responsible for maintaining he pressure on the Counties defence.

Counties came back strongly in the second half and the Waikato defence were placed under increasing pressure. Even though Dwayne Underwood, Ryan Lutes, Neil Brunton and Cyrano Embling chipped in with timely support to the defence, Counties’ persistence was rewarded with a number of penalty corners. These were successfully defended thanks to aggressive rushing by Matthew Snodgrass and Zachery Woods. Lewis Williamson responded admirably to the increased pressure and was not beaten on the day, but had to leave the field owing to a bleeding nose halfway through the half.

Eventually the pressure told and Counties were able to score after a goalmouth scramble after new goalkeeper, Andrew Locke had stopped an initial strike on goal. Strong, quick clearances from Zachery Woods were invaluable in taking pressure off the tiring Waikato defence as Counties pressed hard in the closing stages. One such clearance found the Waikato forwards and another excellent combination between Harrison and Rees-Gibbs lead to Harrison’s second goal of the game. Matthew Orr worked extremely hard on the lefton Counties had a number of opportunities after this, but the Waikato defence held fast and the clock ran down without any further score.

Waikato faces a tough second day with two scheduled games against Marlborough and Poverty Bay. Both of these teams experienced defeats in their opening matches, although Marlborough’s loss to Auckland by only 4 goals to nil indicates that they will not be an easy side to beat.