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This year I was lucky enough to be selected to be the captain of
the young, and talented Havelock North High School Girls First XI
hockey team, that was coached by Greg Brittin and Dean Hulls.
Our season started off well with many wins and some very tough
training sessions including boxing at Flaxmere Boxing Academy.
Half way through the season we stalled a bit with the departure
of our German exchange students and injuries to a number of
players, that included our fastest player Georgia Hulls breaking
her arm and myself with a back injury after being knocked off my
bike by a car driven by the Iona coach. This meant some players
had to play out of position. This was always going to take its toll
on the team going into the inter-school exchanges, so with the
Tawa exchange and Wairarapa exchange we endured tough
competition and came off second best in both games. The
juniors coped well at central 6 and came third with all games
being very close.
At our tournament in Sunny Whakatane, our aim was to make it
into the top eight. Our week started with a nil all draw against
Glendowie College from Auckland. On Tuesday we had to
play two games, both games we won that day. And with those
results we come top of our pool and made it into the top
eight. Wednesday was our first loss, followed by another loss on
Thursday. On our last day we played Taupo-Nui-A-Tia College
where we managed a one all draw and both teams were happy
to share 7th place.
From our team this year, we had 3 girls representing Hawkes
Bay. Amy Brittin and our Taikura goal keeper, Olivia Robertson
made the Premier under 15 team and Olivia Campbell made the
development under 15 team. I would like to congratulate them for
their achievements.
Our team had 8 originals girls who returned from previous seasons
and an influx of new players, mainly being year 9’s. Hopefully
next year we get another good lot of girls. However, with every
new generation of players that come in to the team, we usually
have to farewell the older generation. This year we say goodbye
to Haylee Wallace and Aimee Lobb. I’ve played hockey with
Haylee since primary school. Haylee brings a positive attitude,
determination and is a well rounded player and a good role
model to all in our team, she also has a personality which will be
difficult to replace. Then there’s Aimee, who I’ve known since year
5 where we played under 11’s together for Hawkes Bay, We also
both played for the hockey club, Akina Rovers. Aimee is a strong
player who brings much aggression and energy to every game.
I wish them all the best and hope they continue to play hockey
where ever life leads them and I will miss them.
I thank Greg Brittin, Dean and Mrs Hulls for their commitment
to coaching and managing our team. I also would like to
congratulate and thank the girls for the time and effort they have
put in this year and hopefully we can further develop the different
qualities and skills that each member brings to our hockey team.