1st XI Hockey v Wellington College - Wednesday 22 July
The 1st XI played their first traditional interschool match against Wellington College on Wednesday.
The match started in a typically even fashion with Wellington College playing most of the quarter in their attacking half. Connor Managh managed to score the first goal against the run of play, giving PNBHS the advantage after the first quarter.
The momentum of the match began to swing in the second quarter with PNBHS solidifying their gameplan as they started to play with more confidence. Blake Rhodes- Robinson scored his first for the day. Malaki Masoe then converted a penalty corner giving PNBHS a 3-nil half time lead.
The second half saw PNBHS apply more pressure on the visiting side. However, Wellington College did manage to score early in the third quarter before PNBHS was awarded a penalty corner that was ably converted by Zac Buinimasi.
PNBHS wanted to press this advantage home, and a great passing game came to the fore in the final quarter of the match. Blake Rhodes-Robinson scored his second of the match and Malaki Masoe also scored his second from a penalty corner.
William Morgan had an outstanding game in the goal. This match was a comprehensive 6 – 1 win for the 1st XI Hockey Team and a great start to the day as they headed to the Wairarapa to play Rathkeale College that evening.
1st XI Hockey v Rathkeale College - Wednesday 22 July
Fresh from a win against Wellington College in the afternoon, the 1st XI travelled to Masterton to play Rathkeale College in the second match of the Intercity Secondary School Competition.
It was the worst possible start for PNBHS after Rathkeale scored in the opening seconds of the match from their hit off. The first quarter progressed in a scrappy manner, with some defensive lapses becoming evident. PNBHS managed to level the score through a penalty stroke to Zac Buinimasi, awarded after hitting a defender's foot in front of the goal.
Starting the second quarter at one-all, PNBHS struggled with the slippery surface, which meant scoring off penalty corners was difficult. However, Hael Pritchard managed to score along with Blake Rhodes-Robison giving PNBHS a 3–1 buffer at halftime.
Although PNBHS dominated possession in the third quarter, they were not able to score. Some superb passing play enabled Perry Smith to score the final goal of the match late in the last quarter giving PNBHS the win 4–1.
This was to be a pleasing day for the 1st XI Hockey team, winning both matches with some very promising play.
Their next match is against Marist Sabers in the final match of the round in the Premier Reserve Competition on Saturday at 5.15 pm.
