The first half went our way and we had a few chances at goal, but in the second half they put the pressure on us.Angeline WaetfordCoach Angeline Waetford liked what she saw when her Springfield side made their debut in the 2010 Premier Women's Hockey division, against Old Girls.
The teams
met on Saturday for the first round of the new season at ITM Rosvall Stadium in a tussle which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Despite the lack of goals, Waetford was heartened by her team's first-half performance and perseverance.
"The first half went our way and we had a few chances at goal, but in the second half they put the pressure on us, and we were on defence for most of it. For the last 10 minutes they were inside our defensive 25 and took a few corners," she said.
However, Black Sticks Development Squad member Nicky Howes impressed the Springfield coach with her goalkeeping skills, keeping Springfield in the game, while Georgia Miller, was voted by the team as player of the day. Miller, Springfield's inside right, was playing against her mother Mandy and sister Elley, both fullbacks for Old Girls.
"I think Mandy was even telling Georgia what to do, when to pass the ball and everything," Waetford laughed.
Fortunately for Springfield, Old Girls were missing a few of their key players, including middle-distance runner Melissa Simpson and Black Stick Laura Douglas.
"Obviously they had some reserves playing for them but they looked strong, and they will get it together for the season. I think the competition will be fairly even, and Kamo-held and not go one way for any of the teams ... I'm looking forward to the season."
Hikurangi and Whangarei Girls High School also drew, 2-2, while Kamo High School lost to Maungakaramea 3-0.
