Waikato Hockey’s Under 18 Campaign Success for Both Boys and Girls!

Waikato Hockey is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Under 18 Boys and Girls teams during the 2025 National Tournament held from 29 June to 5 July. The Girls competed in North Harbour, while the Boys battled it out in chilly Timaru, both teams battling right down to the last day, bringing home bronze medals, showcasing the depth of talent and commitment across our region.

Girls Campaign – North Harbour

The Wintec Waikato U18 Girls team displayed remarkable resilience, skill, and unity throughout a challenging week of competition. From the opening whistle to the final match, they showed consistent growth and determination. Impressively, the team remained undefeated in regulation time across the entire tournament, with their only setback coming in a shootout against eventual gold medallists, Canterbury. Their bronze medal finish stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players, coaches Michelle Hollands and Ella Leighton, and Team Manager, Kim Martyn.

Images and videos shared throughout the week captured a team that was not only focused and determined but also deeply supportive of one another. The final day was especially emotional, with the result reflecting the dedication and leadership behind the scenes.

Boys Campaign – Timaru

The Wintec Waikato U18 Boys team faced a tough draw in Timaru but rose to the occasion with grit and composure. Their journey was marked by highs and lows, yet they maintained focus and team spirit throughout. The bronze medal match was a thrilling display of teamwork and perseverance right down to the last seconds of the game, and the emotional reactions from players and coaches Bevan Sam, Stu Pitu and team manager, Richard Cookson highlighted just how meaningful the campaign was.

The atmosphere on the sidelines was electric, with the enthusiastic noise from parents, especially the unmistakable sound of cowbells, lifting the players and adding to the sense of occasion. The support from families throughout the week played a crucial role in keeping the boys motivated, grounded, and in good spirits. The coaching and management team also deserve special recognition for their efforts in ensuring the players remained safe, focused, and well-supported throughout the campaign.

Waikato Officials

A massive thank you to Richard Baggs (Men’s Tournament Director), Manav Shah and Robyn Wells (Tournament Officials), and our outstanding umpires—Jack Edmonds, Ben Pilmore-Evans (Men), and Brianna McIntyre, Kaitlyn Wallace (Women). Your professionalism, dedication, and leadership on the field made us proud every step of the way. Thank you for representing Waikato with excellence.

Both teams’ success is no coincidence, it reflects the depth of hockey in the Waikato, the dedication of our coaching and management staff, and the leadership shown by the players themselves.

The Management Team and WHA Board extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to everyone involved in the campaign. Your efforts have made Waikato proud.