TARANAKI HOCKEY
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4 July 2007

U18 Boys Report from Nationals

Monday Taranaki vs Southland 3-3 (Half Time 1-1) Taranaki started their under 18 tournament off with a 3-3 draw with Southland at the National Under 18 Boys tournament in Christchurch. The game tended to seesaw as both teams were guilty of giving away easy possession and being guilty of ball watching. Southland opened the scoring after some poor defence in the Taranaki circle. The Taranaki team then picked up their game and started dominating play. After some good passing between the midfield and front runners Taranaki was awarded a penalty stroke after a Southland defender stopping a certain goal with their foot. The penalty stroke was put wide of the goal. Tommy Ardern then stepped up and after running through 5 defenders put a great ball through to Campbell Bower who dragged around the goalie and put the ball in the back of the net. The score at half time was 1-1. For the first twenty minutes of the second half Southland controlled the ball well and score a further two goals. Taranaki, not wanting to lose their first game of tournament fought back well with Paul McKeown in outstanding touch scoring two goals to equalise. Scott Lilly was unlucky to be brought down after beating the keeper in the final seconds of the game with no whistle being blown. Campbell Bower had an outstanding game up front while Neil Sandford shut down a lot of Southland attack early with some great tackles. Tommy Ardern worked hard with Paul McKeown making the most of his opportunities. Tuesday morning Taranaki vs Northland 1-0 (Half Time 0-0) This was a game both teams desperately needed to win to stay in contention for a top eight spot at the tournament. After a disappointing draw yesterday the Taranaki team stepped up to the mark with a hard fought win over Northland. James Linehan scored a great individual goal half way through the second half with the team defending well to keep Northland scoreless. Tommy Ardern and Brett Thomas controlled the midfield well while Andrew Barczak in goal pulled off some outstanding saves. Once again Neil Sandford used his strength and reach well to shut down the opposition outside the defensive circle. Kane Hughes also cleared the ball well as the left defender. This afternoon Taranaki takes on the top seed in the pool Auckland who have already thrashed both Hawkes Bay and Northland. Wednesday is the big game that will decide pool placings when Taranaki meets Hawkes Bay. Whoever wins this game is likely to move into the top eight with Auckland. regards Marion Webby

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