Hockey: Pompallier break through

The Pompallier College mixed hockey team are all smiles after beating Henderson High School.

Pompallier Catholic College's mixed hockey team broke a 10-year drought at the North Island Mixed Secondary Schools Tournament on their way to claiming the title.

Proud coach Brendon Quaid believes the win showed the kids' growing maturity.

"[The way they played] just showed their maturity," Quaid commented of the side's win three weeks ago. "Especially Sam Harris [who was captain and named MVP for the tournament], he was not only a standout peer for his fellow students but his maturity in how he carried himself on and off turf.

"The kids not only learn [to play at tournaments], but also learn to help and interact with each other.

"As far as Pompallier College is concerned it's a great event for them to be in. [The kids'] ability to be young adults showed, [and that] they can play good hockey."

Quaid added that going into the tournament the goal was to improve on last year's eighth placing, however some senior students always had the goal of winning.

"We had a goal in mind [for each game] and the kids played to it and stuck at it. They are the ones who played on the turf and excelled in forming a group and working together.

"[School is] not all about education, it's reality education. You've got to be around each other all the time at tournaments - you've got to eat together for six days and learn to respect each other.

"[Mixed tournament is] meant to be a fair bit of fun, but there's a serious goal at the end of it."

Quaid gave particular praise to first year goalie Jemma McGiven, New Zealand under-18 squad member Nicola McDonnell-Kelly, Harris, and Nathan Correa.

Joining Harris with a most valuable player award was Correa, who claimed the team's MVP award.

In the same tournament, Mike Delaney coached Huanui College to finish third.

Huanui and Pompallier last night met in the final of the division one collegiate hockey competition.