Exciting times in club competition
The Whanganui women’s hockey team is proving a tough side to beat in the Manawatū club competition.
Whanganui lost 2-1 to High School Hockey Club A at Whanganui last Saturday. Although they are at the bottom of the table without a win, they have been competitive.
Whanganui returned to Manawatū ’s top division this year, and player-coach Robbie Matthews, a former Black Stick, was glad the younger players were able to foot it at this level.
There was a 5-0 loss to High School A early in the season, but otherwise they have had a good crack at most teams.
‘‘We haven’t lost a game by a big score at all,’’ she said.
‘‘There’s only been mostly one or a couple of goals in it. We’re really happy with how we’re going.
‘‘It’s giving a lot of our younger players here really good exposure, which helps their school hockey and helps their rep hockey. They’re certainly competitive.’’
Second-placed High School A are regular contenders for the crown, so to test them was a good result.
They also lost 2-1 to High School Hockey Club Old Girls and College Premier, respectively, in the two previous weeks.
Against High School A, Whanganui’s standout player was central defender Pip Symes, while striker Jess Watkin, who scored their goal, and defender Lucy Tui also played well.
In the other game of the weekend, High School Hockey Club Old Girls won 5-0 over Massey at Massey University.
The win means Old Girls, who are fourth, are one point behind Massey.
In the men’s competition, Massey won an exciting game 3-2 against High School Hockey Club at Massey University. Massey are
second, while High School are fourth, one point ahead of Marist.
Third-placed Levin won 2-0 over Marist at the twin turfs, Palmerston
North.
Whanganui defaulted their game against College because of a lack of players.