AIMS Games Hockey: Perfect start for Tauranga

Ellen Sybers was strong on the ball for Tauranga Intermediate.

Tauranga Intermediate's girls hockey team's 6-0 romp against Pinehurst School proved an ideal way to start their AIMS Games campaign ahead of their second match against Murrays Bay Intermediate last night.

Coach Mike Owen had high hopes for his team's chances, but questioned whether his heart could take another possible meeting with Otumoetai Intermediate after his side's recent 2-1 finals win.

It was the first time Otumoetai had been tipped over since a Gemma Flynn-inspired Tauranga Intermediate side claimed the trophy in 2002.

"The girls certainly would have the psychological edge, but the two teams are very close," Owen said.

"We had tight tussles all year and I think that last game put us on top again."

Both teams are stacked with representative players, which makes for some fierce hockey.

The final was no exception, with Owen believing the memory of the last side to better the Otumoetai juggernaut proved inspirational.

"I got a photo of the 2002 team that won and handed it around beforehand along with some of the history around it, and the girls decided they wanted their photo to be the next one handed around.

"They soaked it up and nailed into it."

Twice this season the side has come from behind to either beat or draw with their crosstown rivals, picking up at least a share of the silverware in a raft of tournaments along the way.