1st XI Hockey v Feilding High School - Intercity Final Match Report
Congratulations to the 1st XI Hockey team, who rounded out an undefeated season in the Manawatu Secondary Schools Competition with a 2 - 0 win over Feilding High School in the final on Sunday.
After strolling through the round-robin phase of the competition undefeated, PNBHS were eager to seal the deal in the Intercity Secondary School Final and gain some reward for their dominant season. However, Feilding High School were coming off a purple patch of form, meaning it would take a top performance from PNBHS to leave with the silverware.
Both teams operated a high press from the beginning of the match, meaning defenders on both sides were kept under constant pressure. Malaki Masoe and Zac Buinimasi dealt with this pressure well and were capable of holding possession around the back and launching attacks from the end of the pitch. Conversely, Feilding looked to overhead the ball out of trouble which worked in PNBHS's favour as our playmakers were regularly gifted the ball. These factors enabled PNBHS to successfully carry out their game plan and open the scoring at the end of the first quarter through Ben Havord.
Throughout the middle stages of the match, Feilding began to increase their work rate and put PNBHS under pressure. Eventually, the PNBHS players began to make some errors which enabled Feilding to penetrate the circle and draw a string of outstanding saves from goalkeeper Will Morgan. Will's efforts seemed to inspire the PNBHS players into action as the regained the upper hand and began to stamp their authority on the match again. A swift counter-attack was impressively converted by a diving Blake Rhodes-Robinson to double the lead. For the remainder of the game, PNBHS remained composed in possession to wind down the clock to take the match 2-0. The championship served as a well-earned reward for an untraditional but successful season.
A huge thank you to Simon O'Connor at Hunting and Fishing for his ongoing support of Palmerston North Boys' High School and our 1st XI Hockey team, it is truly appreciated!!![](https://stratus.pnbhs.school.nz/pluginfile.php/265/mod_forum/attachment/4655/119808948_3833692899980171_4047392232809588942_n%20copy.jpg)