Sue Gregory Reports...

5th June 2008

Waikato U18 Boys attended Queens Birthday Tournament at Counties over the long weekend. With 4 games played over 2 days the team performed extremely well with results as follows:

Won 5-0 against North Harbour B
Drew 3-3 against Auckland A
Won 3-2 against Counties A
Won 4-2 against Tauranga A

The game of the tournament was the match against Auckland. It was an exciting game which provided plenty of quality hockey for the numerous supporters. Auckland started well with Waikato gradually warming to the task. Auckland scored first and looked dominant early on. Chris Harding scored an outstanding goal from a reverse shot by Te Kuru Dewes across the face of the goal to equalise at 1 all just before half time. Waikato scored next and Auckland soon followed. Auckland scored again with 10 minutes to go and Waikato briefly looked like they had conceded defeat. With encouragement from captain Tom Lysaght the team lifted their game and a cleverly worked PC from Felix Wild resulted in a successful drag flick goal right on full time sending Auckland a clear message that Waikato is a team to be reckoned with this season. Player of the Day for Waikato was Josh Hodgson with superb defence under pressure.

The Tauranga game was yet another good performance from Waikato. Tauranga scored 2 minutes into the game after another slow start Waikato. Strong defence and persistent attack saw Waikato begin to dominate Tauranga with goals scored from exciting and explosive forward movements. Te Kuru Dewes had an excellent game showcasing outstanding skill and confidence to back himself and score repeatedly. Waikato's Player of the Day was Gwyllim Prosser for his high work rate on both attack and defence.

Coached by Aaron Barnsdall and Truman Wee, this Waikato U18 Boys’ side shows great promise. Their challenge will be to consistently perform at the level required to win at U18 Boys Premier Tournament in July at Hamilton.
Next contest is a tri-series against Tauranga and Bay of Plenty this weekend (8 June 2008) where Waikato will be looking to repeat their Queen's Birthday weekend performance. Beating Tauranga once more will be a top priority.

Sue Gregory
Team Manager