Northland's young hockey players are doing their region proud, with several teams in action at various New Zealand secondary schools' tournaments. After topping their pool in the Federation Cup in Wellington, Whangarei Girls' High School went up against a tough Rangitoto College outfit for a semifinal berth. It was a very evenmatch and, at fulltime, the scores were level 2-2. Unfortunately, WGHS lost in strokes, ending their semifinal hopes, but leaving them in the top eight to try to claim a fifth spot during the remaining two days of competition. Manager Julia Lecky said the run to play-offs had not been easy and the girls had faced some stiff competition. On Monday, WGHS kick-started their campaign fresh on the back of claiming third place in the Northern Premier Women's League. They faced St Hildas first, who they beat 4-0, followed by a 1-0 loss to St Matthews. But then the Northland school girls struck back with a 1-0 win over Rangiruru College to win their pool. "The team have a really good team spirit and have been playing well over the last few days led by captain Rebecca Batten, who is a great leader on and off the field," Lecky said. Other Northland school teams in action this week are Kamo High School's girls first XI in the Marie Fry Trophy, along with Kamo High's boys' side, who were contesting the Mayhill Cup at Whangarei. Whangarei Boys' High School had made it into the top eight at the India Shield in Auckland, while Pompallier College were taking part in the North Island Mixed Tournament. Bream Bay College boys' team are playing in the Woolaston Trophy in Stratford.
