the competition. It was a match that lived up to the occasion and was filled with good hockey, equally good defence, and unfortunately some below the expected level umpiring. While NPBHS went up early, Napier was able to draw level by half time and lead for most of the second half. As the pressure came on all involved, both teams would have felt aggrieved with some of the calls. Extra time would have been a fair reflection of such a competitive match, but it was not to be.
Game Five Playoffs vs. Hillcrest High Loss 4-3. A game that NPBHS should have won, but the pressure of finals hockey can sometimes see results not go as expected. While NPBHS dominated the match, Hillcrest were able to stay in contact during the match, and were able to draw level just before full time. Hillcrest then managed to score-in extra time golden goal to see NPBHS relegated from the Tier 1 and 2 competition for 2017.
1st XI Hockey Team Row 3: Rinaldo Strydom, Tom Nicholls, Waiwhenua Maha, Anthony Boyder, Finlay Boulter Row 2: Mr Jamie Stones (Coach), Ryan O’Byrne, Carl Richard Elsesser, Daniel Foss, Braeden Harrison, Bevan Spragg, Michael Bradley, Mr Robert Wisnewski (Manager) Row 1: Dylan Pittams, Monte Burmester, Graydon Scott, Harry Darke, Doug Russ, Branden Russ, Kody Drake
Game Six Playoffs vs. Otago Boys’ High School Win 3-1. NPBHS controlled the match from start to finish to be convincing winners, despite the apparently close score line.
Game Seven Playoffs (29th and 30th Place) vs. Bethlehem College Win 5-1. At this stage in a very long tournament the boys were starting to feel the effects of the week. Despite this, the boys gave it their all and the game was played in good spirit and good intensity. The score was a reflection of the dominance that NPBHS had throughout. Final result – 13th place in India Shield. The team was well led by Harry Darke in trying conditions at times. His enthusiasm and his ability to assist in integrating young players into the squad is a credit it to him. Other Year 13s in the squad have been Rinaldo Strydom, Waiwhenua Maha and Michael Bradley with the former two being in the team for a number of years now. The team’s commitment to extra trainings in preparation for Tournament was second to none. A special thanks to all of the coaching team.
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Absent: Mr David Stones (Coach)
While the results have been disappointing, the future of hockey does look very bright at NPBHS. Over half the squad was Year 11 or below, with a number being in Years 9 and 10. The U15s team also played well this year. 2017 will be an exciting year as the team looks to regain entry to Tier 1 and 2 for 2018. We have some exceptional talent at NPBHS and no doubt this will shine through in the next year or so.
Other results for 2016 Winning Taranaki SS competition (NPBHS Senior A), gaining 3 in the Taranaki Men's A Competition.
College Matches Wanganui Collegiate Auckland Grammar FDMC Hamilton BHS PNBHS Wellington College
Win Loss Wn Loss Loss Loss
4-3 1-8 4-0 1-2 1-2 6-1
Central Districts Representative Players: U18 – Tom Nicholls (non-travelling reserve)
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