Wild Oats put name on hockey map

The Wild Oats U18 Wairarapa men's hockey team won bronze at the National Association U18 Tournament in Pukekohe on Sunday.

Grant Miles, team manager and Chanel College principal, said Wairarapa beat Southern 5-2, Hawke's Bay 5-2 and North Harbour 4-1 to qualify top of their pool.

"On Thursday, we played Thames Valley for a place in the semifinals, winning the game 4 to 2," he said.

The semifinal was against Waikato and, in a hard-fought game, the Wild Oats lost 2-1, although they forced extra time with a penalty corner right on the full-time whistle.

"This meant we played Nelson for the bronze medal. We won this game 5-2, finishing the tournament third.

"This is a significant achievement for the team and hockey in the Wairarapa."

The most valuable player for the week was captain Phillip Arkell, Mr Miles said.

"The team represented the province with pride and were a fine testament of what can be achieved when a team comes together with a single-minded purpose."

The team included Oliver Mebus-Leckie, Jordan Yee, Zac Caldwell, Gus Wakeling, Zac Hardie, Dylan Price, George Whitehead, Morgan Taylor, Phillip Arkell, Lucien Burt, Andrew Miles, Julian Mackenzie, Chris Horwell, Hamish Finlayson, coach Dave Finlayson, assistant coach Dave Caldwell and Mr Miles.

Team members were also "most appreciative" of the support from parents and extended family members.