Hockey: Trophy triumph something to cheer about

Whangarei Girls High School's Marie Fry Trophy-winning team celebrate their 1-0 win in the final over Kristin School.

The only Northland hockey team fighting for the Marie Fry Trophy gave their hundreds of supporters something to cheer about, thanks largely to a Claudia Squire goal in the final.

The Whangarei Girls High School first XI won their final 1-0 against Kristin School in New Zealand Secondary Schools (NZSS) tournament, held at the Northland Hockey Centre in Kensington.

After losing 2-1 to Kristin in the first pool match, Whangarei Girls came back to win the final through a penalty corner goal by Squire.

Coach Elma Quirey said the team had fantastic support from their school and had an amazing turnout of support at the competition this month.

"I've never seen that much support for a team," she said.

The team were led well by captain Bridget Johnson but Quirey said Ella-Rose Kini and Jess Pilmer were standouts.

The Girls High team, with players ranging from 14 to 18 years old, placed fourth in the premier women's grade this year - meaning they are used to playing against women with years of experience on them.

Quirey said her team were "very fast, very skill-filled but lack years of experience".

The NZSS competition had the girls playing against others of the same age for a change.

The Marie Fry Trophy win means Girls High will play in the Federation Cup next year - much to their coach's delight.

Quirey said the goal was always to get back into the Federation Cup, meaning a tougher competition next year.

Of the six matches Girls High played, their biggest win was 6-0 against Mt Albert Grammar.

Whangarei Girls High School: Jess Pilmer, Ella Poole-Crowe, MacKenzie Johnson, Katrina Howe, Sara McKean, Michelle Howe, Stephanie Donelley, Anna Miller, Claudia Squire, Ella-Rose Kini, Pialin Sanderson, Ashlee Dobbs, Chloe Neil, Emma Moscrip, Bridget Johnson, Hayley Maunder. Coach: Elma Quirey.