1st XI Hockey v New Plymouth Boys' High School - Thursday 20 June
New Plymouth Boys' High School is the the 1st XI Hockey's first traditional interschool match for the year.
In the first quarter, NPBHS came out firing in the first five minutes, putting pressure on the PNBHS defence. Great communication and solid tackling meant PNBHS were able to overcome this pressure and create attacking opportunities. A few chance went wide until James Akuhata was able to tap a high ball into the goal in the last few minutes of the quarter.
The second and third quarter play carried on in the same vein with PNBHS unable to convert chances in the circle. This was a shame because opportunities were made with great work in the screen creating attacking opportunities. Connor Managh was able to slot a goal late in the third quarter, giving PNBHS a 2 nil lead heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter started with our defenders under pressure, with two players on the bench with a yellow and green card. NPBHS pressed well and with some loose marking in our circle, they were able to score. PNBHS answered with a goal of their own through Matthew Dellow jumping on a loose ball in the circle. The game opened up in the latter stages of the fourth quarter with PNBHS not playing to the game plan. NPBHS took this opportunity to score a second goal.
Final score was a 3 - 2 win to PNBHS 1st XI.
