Under 15 Boys - National Chamions
The South Canterbury boys' hockey team have made history with their first ever title at the under 15 national championships in Wellington.
South Canterbury beat top seeds Wanganui 2-0 in the final, after two excellent strikes in the first half.
Liam Parker scored with a reverse stick from the top of the circle while James Robertson beat the keeper and popped the ball over the last defender from an acute angle.
It was also special for midfielder Andrew Kirkcaldie who was named the 'most valuable player' of the 16-team tournament.
Eighth-seeded South Canterbury were unbeaten through pool play, including a 1-all draw with Wanganui, to decide the group.
In the quarter final South Canterbury cruised past Thames Valley 5-0 but faced a tougher task in the semi, getting past Horowhenua 3-2.
Standouts for the team were William Sharp in defence and Kirkcaldie in the midfield.
Coach Ben Grant said it was a fantastic team effort all week, playing a really positive and fast paced team game.
"The boys got stuck in and followed our game plan superbly. Our defence was solid all week and there is no hiding that is what wins the big matches "
"We weren't necessarily a team of super stars, but the message was clear to the boys that the team that pulls together best will take out the finals."
The excellent team work was reflected in five players, Liam Parker,James Robertson, Rollinson, Kirkcaldie and Sharp scored three goals each during the tournament.
Grant was assisted by Timaru Boys' High School First XI captain Shaun Coles.
TBHS players dominated the squad with 11 players and for two, Sharp and Rollinson it has been an extra special year having earlier been part of the secondary schools' India Shield winning side, along with coach Grant.
The good news for Hockey South Canterbury is that 11 players are also eligible to play in the same tournament next year.
The win ranks South Canterbury 17th in New Zealand. At the premier under 15 tournament Wllington beat Canterbury 2-1 to take the title.
South Canterbury beat top seeds Wanganui 2-0 in the final, after two excellent strikes in the first half.
Liam Parker scored with a reverse stick from the top of the circle while James Robertson beat the keeper and popped the ball over the last defender from an acute angle.
It was also special for midfielder Andrew Kirkcaldie who was named the 'most valuable player' of the 16-team tournament.
Eighth-seeded South Canterbury were unbeaten through pool play, including a 1-all draw with Wanganui, to decide the group.
In the quarter final South Canterbury cruised past Thames Valley 5-0 but faced a tougher task in the semi, getting past Horowhenua 3-2.
Standouts for the team were William Sharp in defence and Kirkcaldie in the midfield.
Coach Ben Grant said it was a fantastic team effort all week, playing a really positive and fast paced team game.
"The boys got stuck in and followed our game plan superbly. Our defence was solid all week and there is no hiding that is what wins the big matches "
"We weren't necessarily a team of super stars, but the message was clear to the boys that the team that pulls together best will take out the finals."
The excellent team work was reflected in five players, Liam Parker,James Robertson, Rollinson, Kirkcaldie and Sharp scored three goals each during the tournament.
Grant was assisted by Timaru Boys' High School First XI captain Shaun Coles.
TBHS players dominated the squad with 11 players and for two, Sharp and Rollinson it has been an extra special year having earlier been part of the secondary schools' India Shield winning side, along with coach Grant.
The good news for Hockey South Canterbury is that 11 players are also eligible to play in the same tournament next year.
The win ranks South Canterbury 17th in New Zealand. At the premier under 15 tournament Wllington beat Canterbury 2-1 to take the title.