| Waikato finish 8th by Vaughan Hilton 20 July 2003 |
NZ U15 National Tournament
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| Waikato finish 8th after letting a 4-1 lead vs Manawatu slip through their fingers. |
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Waikato played their best hockey of the tournament and Stuart Pitu at left half belied his age with a mature display of quality passing and control as they dominated the early exchanges to lead 4-1 before a spirited fightback from Manawatu saw them sneak a win 5-4.
Northland and Hawkes Bay shared 5th after grinding out a 0-0 draw. Otago shook off their earlier 8-1 losses to Auckland (semi final) and Canterbury (pool play) to draw with Canterbury 3-3 to share third. Wellington nearly did the same but a missed penalty stroke on the full time whistle allowed Auckland to take the under 15 title 2-1 for the 2nd successive year. Wellington started poorly and Auckland immediately converted their first PC to lead 1-0 after onlya minute of the final. The large crowd were then entertained by a skillful display of quality hockey as neither side gained the upper hand. Wellington replied to level the scores mid way through the first spell and their midfeild, led by centre half James Matthews, weresensational in stifling any Auckland attacks. Simon Child, Aucklands hero from the semi finals, was well contained by star Wellington forward Blair Hilton and it looked as if the game would finish 1-1 before a sensational passing movement down the left gained Auckland the winning advantage 10 minutes from time. Waikato's representation in the final, umpire Chris Neal, awarded Wellington a penalty stroke with seconds to go in the final. Matthews stepped forward and his shot hit the post to the delight of a well deserving Auckland team. |
 Wellington Centre Forward, Blair Hilton, at Hatch Cup 2000 |