1st XI Hockey vs Wairarapa College Intercity Secondary School Final (17 Aug 2023)
The records of when the 1st XI met Wairarapa College in pool play this year will show a win apiece. Therefore, the Intercity final was always going to be a close-fought match.
The first quarter remained scoreless as both teams went about settling into the game. Nerves were evident as the 1st XI started to break through, creating opportunities in the circle. Wairarapa College also had its chances as an even contest emerged.
Lochie Underwood got a touch on the ball from a crash ball into the circle early in the second quarter. The 1st XI found a second wind and started to gain some ascendency with good passing play and strong marking while on defence. Unfortunately, this was short-lived as Wairarapa College managed to score to level the scores from a 1st XI defensive error.
With the match tied at 1 -1 going into the second half, the focus for the 1st XI was to trust our processes and the goals would follow. The 1st XI was awarded a stroke in the third quarter that Will Roberts converted. Wairarapa College then replied by converting a stroke of their own after a penalty corner attempt hit a 1st XI defender's foot.
The game was tense going into the final quarter; however, the 1st XI held their composure. This allowed Tom Collier to score from a penalty corner drag-flick giving the 1st XI the advantage. In separation, Wairarapa College removed their goalkeeper to try and chase the scoreline. Riley Theobald put the final nail in the coffin, scoring in the dying minutes.
This was an extremely good 4 - 2 win for the 1st XI to win the Intercity Secondary School Competition for the fourth consecutive year. The 1st XI now looks forward to the Manawatu Premier Reserve Competition final played at 12.00 p.m. on Saturday.
