Hawke's Bay's Annabel Kerr (left) sparks an attack during yesterday's quarterfinal win against North Harbour. Photo / Duncan Brown
Hawke's Bay's Annabel Kerr (left) sparks an attack during yesterday's quarterfinal win against North Harbour. Photo / Duncan Brown
Hawke's Bay will meet Canterbury in today's semifinals at the national under-15 girls premier hockey tournament at Napier's Park Island.
The Graeme Findlay-Dominie Cresswell-coached Hawke's Bay side pipped North Harbour 2-1 in their semifinal yesterday. After scoring 17 goals and conceding none in their previous three games Findlay admitted hewas eager to see how his girls coped with a tight encounter.
He was delighted with how they responded to the challenge. Hawke's Bay led 1-0 at halftime after striker Hannah Cotter succeeded with a straight shot from a penalty corner.
North Harbour equalised with a goal from a penalty corner with 10 minutes remaining. Cotter scored the winning goal after converting a penalty corner attempt from a layoff with five minutes remaining.
"It was a huge team effort. It was a dry day and as a result the turf dried fast which resulted in a high error rate from both teams. However, we were slightly better in those conditions much to the delight of the coaching staff and supporters," Findlay said.
"While Hannah [Cotter] was outstanding again it was pleasing to see how well our defenders stepped up when tested for the first time this week. Ruby Roberts marshalled the defence well and our keeper, Alice Hoogerbrug, made some great saves," he added.
The Hawke's Bay-Canterbury clash is scheduled for 1.15pm and Auckland will take on Tauranga in the other semifinal.
