The release of Jayvant Dhanjee back in to the Bay of Plenty fold was celebrated with a 6-1 win over Tauranga. But the centre-half's return comes with a caveat - one of the Under 18 hockey squad must be released ahead of the rest of the season's tournaments.
Smallbone Park played
host to a "family day" yesterday. Bay of Plenty took on Tauranga in Under 15 and Under 18 boys and girls matches. Dhanjee, who has played hockey in Rotorua since he was 5, has this year moved across to Waikato where he is studying. That has meant his Under 18 registration moved with him but late last week he was released back.
"I think having him back will make a great difference," coach Rob Reeves said.
"He plays in the centre-half role and that's where we want to control the game. He's also one of the players who played last year and knows what to expect."
Dhanjee got the Bay side off to a good start with three of the six goals. Connor Herewini, also in his second year of Under 18s, bagged a brace and Kieran Davidson also got on the scoresheet.
It was the team's third outing this season as they prepare to take on other provinces and their second win. They beat Auckland two weeks ago but lost to North Harbour B.
"Our main goal this year is to make the top eight at nationals. We ended up 11th equal with Tauranga last year but I think top eight is achievable. Overall our squad has more flexibility, about half the team played last year."
The family day used to be a regular fixture between the two districts but hasn't been played for a number of years.
The two meet in the tri-series. The first is at Counties Manukau on June 16 and the second at Smallbone Park on June 28 between Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, Auckland and Thames Valley.
