Hockey

Rangitoto hockey experienced a very eventful year to say the least. With teams placing first overall in their Harbour seasons, podium finishes at regional competitions, goal-heavy games throughout, and seasons abruptly ended by the Covid-19 outbreak, 2021 was a year like no other for our teams.

The season was set to begin with the annual hockey trials for a large group of eager players in week 3 of the first Term. With everything in place, Covid-19 decided to strike the country again, putting Auckland into a level three lockdown. This delayed trials further into the term, stretching them over three to four weeks. From the trials, eight teams in total were formed; consisting of five girls’ teams and three boys’ teams—a fantastic turnout that went on to form a strong representation of the school within the hockey community.

Hockey at Rangitoto was finally underway in Term 2. Exciting preseason matchups for the teams allowed players to find their form, work on their team chemistry, and solidify a team culture. With the great work from coaches, managers, and helpful parents, teams were able to build momentum heading into the season. This built momentum by our teams was evident, with strong starts across the board. One of them coming from the 2nd XI Girls team, who started the season off with a narrow 2-1 victory over Massey yet continued to improve every week. The team went on to win their next four games, only to be stopped by Wentworth in a 2-1 loss. This defeat would be their first and only, finishing with a five win, one loss record, placing the team first overall heading into the final against Westlake Girls. As the season was cut short due to the recent Covid-19 outbreak, the final was unable to be played, meaning the Rangitoto 2nd XI Girls placed first overall in the G2A grade.

Another successful team was the 2nd XI Boys, who achieved first place overall in their grade, beating teams convincingly, including a 6-0 smashing of Whangaparaoa in round 6. The 3rd XI Girls powered through their season highlighted by a four game win streak. Due to an unfortunate cancellation of the final, the girls finished second on the podium.

Despite the various disruptions and distractions, including cancellation of winter tournament week for our 1st XI Girls and 1st XI Boys, teams can look back on the 2021 season with pride knowing they have represented Rangitoto in proud fashion.

Headed by reputable coaches Regan Bain and Rachel McCann, and managed by Teacher in Charge of Hockey Rachel Jackson, the 1st XI Girls were a force to be reckoned with. Starting the season with a podium placing in the Harbour hockey competition was proof of this.

In 2021, the team competed in Super City Premier grade, the top grade for secondary school hockey in the Auckland region. The competition started off with a thrilling 1-1 draw against Diocesan, in what was a described by manager Rachel as an absolutely “brilliant game of hockey”. The team would then fall to Saint Kentigern, before bouncing back with a giant 4-1 victory over Kristin, and 3-1 win over Baradene in the weeks following. The recent Covid-19 outbreak meant an end to the season with a round to play, where the girls were competing for fifth and sixth placings. In a tough fought grade, the team placed fifth overall—an admirable effort to say the least.

The 1st XI Boys started their season mid-way through Term 2, competing in the Super City A1 grade. Eyes were certainly opened when our boys took to the turf, winning their first game of the season in a 5-4 victory over Pukekohe—equal for the highest scoring game across all teams in the grade.

A draw, a loss, and a win followed the strong season opener. Return to hockey in Term 3 started with a convincing 3-1 victory over Macleans—clearly coaches Nick and Dylan, and manager Michael, had the team putting in work over the holidays. Like fellow Rangitoto hockey teams, the 1st XI Boys had their season cut short due to the recent Covid-19 outbreak and finished fifth overall in their grade.

Coaches Nick and Dylan are optimistic for the team’s future, especially considering there were four talented Year 9 boys playing their first year of 1st XI hockey.