4 September 2005
compiled by Peter Cawkwell

Robyn Richards reports the St Peter’s School boys’ 1st XI returned from Carterton on Friday night as proud winners of the Woolaston Trophy, last won by the school in 1988.

The trophy itself, however, was not with the team, having been ‘mislaid’ by its previous holders.

St Peter’s played a fast-improving Raphael House (Wellington) side in the final, coming from one goal down at half-time to win the title 2-1. Previously undefeated and likely finalist Feilding High School was dispatched by Raphael House in the semi-final round. (Thanks Robyn for your report.)

Other Waikato champion schools are Waikato Diocesan runners up in the Chica Gilmer Trophy, a level 3 tournament. This will provide Dio entry into NZ's top 32 school competition in 2006. You are going to need to practice daily on Turf Dio. St Pauls Collegiate is building a full hockey turf in 2006. Its only 1km away girls; run there each day.

Hillcrest High School won the Jenny Hair Cup at Level 4. This team should set its sights much higher in 2006, as should St Peters and St Pauls girls 1st XI's.

The introduction of a turf surface in Whakatane two years ago, has seen low decile Whakatane High School, win the Level 4 Eveline Hankers Trophy in Hamilton 2004, step up to the Level 3 Audrey Timlin in Auckland 2005 and win first time. Now they have entry into the Marie Fry (Level 2) in 2006. An amazing achievement!
I cannot stress the importance of practicing and playing on a full turf surface. Well done St Peters Board of Trustees for taking the plunge.

St Pauls Collegiate stays in the Rankin Cup,Top 16 in NZ, for the first time. This is a fantastic achievement for a school that has no water turf. With only 600 students, it is the esprit de corp of the boys, staff, and old boys support that maintains this high standard.

Fairfield College girls 1st XI entered Eveline Hankers after a 20 year absence from hockey tournaments. They achieved a creditable 6th place. A good achievement for a low decile school that has a 50% turnover in students each year. Well done.