1st XI Hockey v Marist College Old Boys - Saturday 1 August
The 1st XI played MCOB in the first of three crucial playoff matches in the Manawatu Men's Competition. PNBHS made a positive start as they immediately adapted to the increased speed and quality of Division One hockey. MCOB's game plan appeared to sit deep and look to counter-attack, but Zac Buinimasi was up to the challenge as he managed to shut down their striker's quickly.
The game grew in intensity as PNBHS gradually started to launch attacks of their own, primarily through the centre with Malaki Masoe pushing forward. Matthew Dellow had the best chance of the quarter but saw his shot saved by the MCOB keeper.
Towards the end of the first quarter, MCOB gained a circle entry and created a two vs. one against our deepest defender. The MCOB strikers obstructed our defender, who was unable to reach the ball carrier allowing MCOB to score a goal. The umpires seemed not to notice the obstruction.
MCOB quickly capitalised on this momentum, scoring a minute later to go two-nil up at the break.
PNBHS were undeterred and came out of the break with a chip on their shoulder. For the next 15 minutes, they had MCOB pinned back in their half. This culminated in a penalty corner that was successfully converted by a Zac Buinimasi variation.
The third quarter was a more even affair as both teams enjoyed several goalscoring opportunities. The discipline of the opponents began to fall away as they were punished for deliberately taking down PNBHS players. Subsequently, frustration began to grow within the PNBHS team as they searched desperately for an equalising goal. It was not to be, and PNBHS went down 0 – 1.
Zac Buinimasi and Malaki Masoe had outstanding matches for the 1st XI. Matthew Dellow also worked tirelessly up front, creating a handful for his opponents.
Despite the loss, it was a solid performance from PNBHS against a quality side.