AIMS Games: hockey thrills

AIMS Games hockey Mount Maunganui vs Rototuna went to a shootout. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

Zavier Gordon had never played in goal until this week at AIMS Games.

But Zavier, 13, was the hero for Papamoa College in a thrilling penalty shootout against Otumoetai Intermediate at Tauranga Hockey Centre yesterday.

The mixed six-aside match was tied up 2-2 after extra time meaning a rare penalty shootout was required to separate the local rivals.

With hundreds of eyes bearing down on him from expectant players and spectators from other matches on hold during the shootout, Zavier kept his cool to save four attempts from his opponents.

The final whistle after his winning save saw an outpouring of conflicting emotions, as the Papamoa players raced to celebrate with Zavier while there were tears and looks of disbelief on the Otumoetai faces.

Zavier was naturally delighted after the win that propels Papamoa College into third in their pool and a chance to progress further today with finals on Friday.

"I have never actually been a goalkeeper before. It was my first game ever and they kind of put me up to it," Zavier said.

"It was just a magic trick from the coaches I guess.

"I normally play centre back at AIMS and right or left in our other games. It was really fun. I prefer running round on the field as I am more of a running person but I am enjoying it."

Most of the team were involved in a shootout recently in the final of the Friday night school competition, which helped their cause greatly yesterday.

Papamoa College coach and teacher in charge of hockey, Jeroen Jens, said it was the first shootout he had experienced with this team at AIMS Games.

"It gave me some grey hair, yes" he said.

Jens said the six-a-side mixed version, which is played on area half the normal size, is an excellent builder for the 11-aside game.

"You know where the passes need to go and with all the running you get fitter.

"With the six-a-side you have a far more structured sort of competition going on. Also technical-wise and tactics-wise it is a great stepping stone to playing 11-a-side when you have the big space."

AIMS Games hockey organiser, Caroline Bigham, said the increase to 1040 players this week had much to do with the popularity of the six-aside game, which had doubled in numbers from last year.

"The small country schools are so excited to be here this week because they have never had this opportunity before.

"Now they are able to put together a six-aside team of mixed boys and girls and they have some great skills amongst these kids.

"The participation in the six-aside is huge, which is the idea of six-aside. They have more touches of the ball and are more involved in the actual game, instead of 11-aside where maybe a wing may not see the ball so much.

"It makes for an exciting spectacle and there has been lots of cheering going on. It is really good for the game.

"What I really think is great is for some of the small schools can now bring a team and participate."