Stars on the turf

Maia Rickard on the attack for YMP A. Rickard had an outstanding season which culminated in her being named Poverty Bay Hockey’s Women’s Player of the Year. Picture by Paul Rickard

Team glory eluded them but Lytton Old Boys and YMP A women received the top individual honours at the end-of-season Poverty Bay Hockey Association awards.

Maia Rickard of YMP A won the Women’s Player of the Year while Lytton Old Boys Traktion leader Patrick Ferry won Men’s Player of the Year.

Four women and three men’s players were nominated for the awards and the winners were selected by an independent panel of judges.

Rickard’s nomination form said her success was a result of her “hard work and dedication” to the sport.

“Her passion for fitness has allowed her to stay in top physical shape, giving her ability to perform at her best during games. Not only is she a skilled athlete, she also possesses strong leadership qualities.

“Her teammates look up to her and follow her lead on and off the field.

“It’s no surprise Maia was selected to play for the New Zealand Māori women’s team, and their win at the 2023 NZ Heritage Hockey tournament is a testament to her talent and leadership. Her ability to create scoring opportunities out of seemingly impossible situations are what sets her apart from other athletes.

“Off the field, Maia’s commitment to fair play and sportsmanship is admirable. She is a role model for young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that success can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude.”

Ferry is club captain of Lytton Old Boys and captain of the Traktion men’s side.

His nomination form described him as being “well respected in our club — from our youth players through to our seasoned veterans and past club members”.

“Patrick’s involvement in training, game tactics and post-game reviews shows great hockey knowledge.

“Opposition teams respect his playing ability and he is seen as a key member of the Traktion side.

Most teams want to eliminate his ability to direct play during the game. Patrick is always willing to better himself at training or in a game situation, always striving to be the best he can be.

“We are blessed to have Patrick as part of our club and can see the benefits for the wider hockey community in the future years.  His professionalism and respectful demeanour on and off the field make him a favourite for all those at the Hain Farming Turf.

“With his talent and character, Patrick is a valuable asset to any team he plays for.”

In other awards, the Upshot Memorial Trophy for exceptional contribution by a person 16 years and under went to Bree Thompson — the co-captain of Whatatutu secondary school team and a GMC Green team member, who also umpires at primary, intermediate and secondary school levels.

Gisborne Boys’ High 1st XI coach Wade Manson won the Neil Hopps Memorial for overall excellence by an individual or team, and the Community Coach of the Year.

Gavin Kernohan was awarded the Administrator Plate and Community Administrator of the Year.

Mai Gooch won Club Volunteer of the Year.

YMP B’s Toni Halley was the top women’s goalscorer with 28 while Ferry was top men’s goalscorer on 18. The onfield action is not yet over for the year for some players. Poverty Bay under-13 teams have rep tournaments, high school students are involved in “Winter Week” tournaments next week and Tairāwhiti players will be involved in the national Māori champs at Labour Weekend.

Poverty Bay Hockey Association Awards

Upshot Memorial Trophy (16yrs and under): Bree Thompson.Other nominees: Noah Wright, Whatatutu umpiring team.

Community Coach of the Year: Wade Manson. Other nominees: James Torrie.

Administrator Plate: Gavin Kernohan. Other nominees: Kristy Brown, Chrissy Popata Tibble.

Community Adminstrator of the Year: Gavin Kernohan. Other nominees: Ally Tamihere, Kohere Tupara, Heni Thompson.

Community Umpire of the Year: Nelly Tuhou. Other nominees: Buck Rogers, Morgan Tuhou.

Club Volunteer of the Year: Mai Gooch. Other nominees: Dallas Kerr, Pare Eparaima, Tony Scragg

Neil Hopps Memorial for outstanding overall excellence by an individual or team:  Wade Manson. Other nominees: YMP A men, Noah Wright.

Women’s top goalscorer: Toni Halley (YMP B women) 28.

Men’s top goalscorer: Patrick Ferry (LOB Traktion) 18.

Team awards — First round winners, B Grade women (Tupara Whānau Cup): PGG Wrightson Ngatapa. Runners-up (PBHA Secretary’s Cup): YMP B.

A Grade women (Rose Doleman Cup): GMC Green. Runners-up (George Tupara Shield): YMP A.

A Grade men (Caledonia Shield): YMP A. Runners-up  (Turbitt Cup): LOB Traktion.

Most competition points, B Grade women: GMC Kowhai.

A Grade women (Pepere Whānau Cup): GMC Green.

Finals day, B Grade women’s champions (Smiler Cup): GMC Kowhai. Runners-up (F&H Griffin Cup): Ngatapa.

B Grade men’s champions (Brown Cup): Gisborne Boys’ High 1st XI. Runners-up (Neil Hopps Registrar Cup): LOB Resene Masters.

A Grade women’s champions  (Kerekere Cup): GMC Green. Runners-up (Hine Hooper Cup): YMP A.

A Grade men’s champions (Champions Shield): YMP A. Runners-up (President’s Cup): Waituhi.

Women’s Player of the Year (Bramwells Cup): Maia Rickard (YMP A). Other nominees: Jo Cumming (Paikea), Jade Stafford (GMC Green), Dannell Tuhou (YMP A).

Men’s Player of the Year (Bramwells Cup): Patrick Ferry (LOB Traktion). Other nominees: Ollie Egan (Gisborne Boys’ High), Michael Bond (YMP A).