Top 5 for Whatatutu-Manutūke combo at mixed hockey tournament

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Whatatutu followed up their Poverty Bay secondary schools' hockey competition title with a top 5 finish at the Woolston Trophy mixed secondary school tournament in Stratford with some help from Manutūke players. Back row (from left) are Henry Mohi (coach) Rocky Hare, Deyton Geros, Harley Gray, Bree Thompson (captain), Nikora Broughton, Tuaupiki Tuahine and Te Ahuru Pari. Middle: Amie Waiwai and Jade Stafford (Coach). Front: Sky Moa, Dakota Shaw, Maia Brown (vice-captain) and Mahaki Broughton.

Whatatutu led a triple-pronged Gisborne charge at the Woolston Trophy secondary schools mixed hockey tournament in Stratford.

With some much-appreciated help from Manutūke School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Whatatutu finished fifth out of 15 teams.

Campion College were sixth and Lytton High eighth.

Having won the Poverty Bay secondary schools title in early August - despite playing most of the games with only 10 players, and sometimes eight or nine - Whatatutu’s focus shifted to Stratford, but player numbers were an issue.

“Our team were lucky enough to have four boys from Manutūke join us, or we wouldn’t have enough numbers to even head to tournament,” said Jade Stacey, who co-coached the team with Henry Mohi.

“This made them need to connect well and fast, and they did that. Each game they all delivered and became stronger and more confident.

“There were constant comments from the sideline, tournament managers and umpires on how skilful the team was and how they held themselves during every game.

“We only had 12 players, which was hard from the get-go, but every single player put 110% into every second of every game.”

Whatatutu finished second in their pool after defeating Te Paepae o Aotea 3-2, drawing 0-all with Kerikeri High and losing 3-2 to a combined Putaruru/Matamata College side.

It put them into a fifth-eighth crossover semifinal clash with Lytton High, which Whatatutu won 5-1.

Whatatutu then came up against Campion College and won that game 3-1.

Coach Stafford gave “big ups” to captain Bree Thompson and co-captain Maia Brown.

“They stepped up beautifully in every aspect of their role, leading the team to winning [Poverty Bay’s] secondary grade and top five in the Woolston tournament.

“We are really proud of all the effort and confidence this team has shown this year.”

Campion placed second in their three-team pool - losing 8-1 to TKKM o Whakarewa I Te Reo Ki Tuwharetoa, but bouncing back to defeat Stratford High Mixed 5-0.

They then beat Okaihau College 2-1 to qualify for the fifth-sixth playoff final with Whatatutu.

Lytton were also second in their pool following a 4-3 win over Opunake High, 1-all draw with Whitby/Heretaunga College and 10-0 loss to Huanui College Mixed.

They followed up their defeat by Whatatutu with a 3-2 loss to Okaihau.

Huanui beat Pompallier Mixed First XI 2-1 to win the tournament.