Footballers get a taste of Asia
Four talented young Nelson footballers have returned from Malaysia after representing New Zealand as part of the national secondary schools under -15 football team.
Waimea College’s William Tucker, and Billy Check and Riley Grover of Nelson College were selected in the 18-strong squad after a trial in Palmerston North at Easter. Playing for Wairarapa’s Rathkeale College, Nelson’s Luca Molnar was also selected. Ryan Mairs of Nelson College was a non-travelling reserve.
Tucker was named captain of the touring team for the six games it played against national and state sports institute sides. The Kiwis won three games and lost three, all by single-goal margins.
While on tour, the boys also had the opportunity to experience Malaysia’s culture and environment.
Following a two-day training camp in Auckland, the tour began in Kuala Lumpur on July 7 with a 6-1 victory over Royal Selangor. Four games were played in the Malaysian capital, and two games in Penang.
Grover’s father, Phil, accompanied the boys on the two-week trip and said it was a great experience, with the boys getting a taste of high-performance touring.
‘‘It was terrific to see the four boys who have come up through Nelson Bays youth football, playing together representing New Zealand,’’ he said.
Grover said the biggest obstacle for the team was playing in temperatures of 35C, including one game in thunder, lightning and torrential rain.
Check won the tour award for players’ and coaches’ player as well as a man of the match award in the second game. Grover received the tour award for manager’s player, chosen for overall improvement and a willingness to help during the tour.