Team should do well at Hatch Cup, says coach

Wairarapa should give a good account of themselves at the Hatch Cup under-13 boys national hockey tournament to be played in Tauranga from September 30 to October 6.
Coach David Blackwood says the team is going through a rebuilding phase but he is happy with the progress they have made, especially in the two regional competitions held in August and early this month.
Blackwood is pleased too with Wairarapa's draw in pool play which will see them play Wanganui (2.40pm) on Sunday, Bay of Plenty on Monday (12.10pm), Southland (9am) and Taranaki (3.30pm) on Tuesday and West Coast (2.10pm) on Wednesday.
"The draw is a kind one and if the boys play to their potential they should progress well through pool play and finished a lot higher than last season's ranking," he said.
Blackwood also paid a tribute to the strong support given by the team by local sponsors, including Shear Expertise which have provided the two vans in which the team will travel while at Tauranga.
Team profiles
Bradley Annear (year six): The youngest team member, Annear has excellent skills and the potential to go to the highest levels. He can play both in the halves and the forwards.
Joseph Milburn (year six): Joseph is a fast, fit forward with a never-give-up attitude. This is his first year at Hatch Cup.
Ryan Tonkin (year seven): Tonkin is a newcomer to Hatch Cup action. He is very versatile with a good skill base and has developed well as the season has progressed.
Hamish Finlayson (year seven): Finlayson is a forward with a powerful hit and the knack of being in the right place at the right time. A good work ethic also helps his cause.
Mikey Spicer (year seven): Goalkeeper Spicer is preparing for his first Hatch Cup tourney. He has played some outstanding hockey this season with his lack of fear a special asset.
Alex Sumenko-Bucknelll (year seven): Sumenko-Bucknell plays in the halves and forwards and is an astute reader of the game. He is also determined and elusive and will go further in the sport.
Braden Smith (year seven): Smith is in his first year at Hatch Cup level but this is fourth year as a Wairarapa rep. He plays at centre half and utilises his speed to telling effect.
Mitchell Blackwood (year seven): Blackwood is the team captain and will be experiencing his second Hatch Cup. He plays centre half and is a strong player with excellent distribution skills.
Korde Brough (year eight): Brough, who is attending his second Hatch Cup, has developed well this season, being one of the fittest players in the side. His determined attitude will be a big asset.
Luc Percy (year eight): An experienced senior member of the team, goalkeeper Percy controls the defensive circle well and makes some outstanding saves. He will be an important member of the tournament team.
Fraser Dymond (year eight): Dymond is making his debut at Hatch Cup. He plays in the forwards and is a strong running, skilful player capable of being a prolific goal scorer.
Lakota Mancer (year eight): Lancer is also in his first year at Hatch Cup. He is a forward with good speed and determination and adds spark to the attack.
Brady Green (year eight): Green is a back with a strong sweep and a sound knowledge of positional play. He reads the game well and has developed a good skill base.
James Stevens (year eight): The tallest boy in the Wairarapa squad with an impressive reach and a huge hit, Stevens is in his first year at Hatch Cup. He never gives up and should have a good tournament.
Dylan Terry (year eight): Terry plays in the halves and is one of the most consistent players in the side. He is very fit and is expected to cover a lot of ground in what is his first Hatch Cup tourney.