Hockey: Iona's invincibles: Season of success

The Iona first XI, with captain Lucy Collin with flowers and holding trophy, celebrate their win. Photo / Dan Nancarrow

The Iona College first XI hockey side has had a season of unprecedented success.

The Havelock North school side went undefeated at the Hockey NZ Chica Gilmer national tournament in Pukekohe last week and will be promoted to the national first division. Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey instigator Bruce Mactaggart was amazed at the effort from the girls.

"For a small school with a roll of 300 to win this national event against much bigger schools is an outstanding effort - and to go through the whole week undefeated is almost unprecedented," he said.

Team captain and Year 13 student Lucy Collin has been part of the side since she was a Year 9. Her final year was by far her most successful. "This was the strongest side I've ever been a part of. The girls were absolutely stoked with how they performed. I couldn't have asked for more."

But it was a bittersweet end for Collin, having been a first XI member for the past five years she will now leave her school career behind. "It was a great way to finish but also a bit sad.

"I had faith that the girls could do it."

Iona won their final against Hamilton Girls' High 2-0 after a tense semifinal with Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Raumata which they won 5-2.

Iona's Bella Greig was the leading goal scorer, putting 10 in the back of the net. Collin wasn't far behind with five.

The side also experienced success earlier in the year, holding Napier Girls' High to a draw in the final of the Hawke's Bay competition.

"This year has definitely been my biggest highlight."

The side is riddled with representatives.

Team members Millie Long, Olivia Mcleod and captain Collin will be part of the Queensland Australia Challenge in Napier later this month.

Hannah Mason was selected in the Hawke's Bay under-18 women's team while several members are part of the Hawke's Bay under-15 side.

Collin said her team's success would not be possible had it not been for coach Karen Holder.

"I can't thank Mrs Holder enough for everything she has done for this team, and wish the girls all the luck for the future."

She plans to continue playing hockey when she moves to Massey University in Palmerston North next year.