The under-13 Wanganui boys' hockey team made a striking start to their annual Curtis Cup bid in Levin yesterday, thumping defending champions Wellington 5-0.
Wellington were highly fancied to win the trophy again this year after not losing a match, until they fronted up against the lads from the River city yesterday morning.
Wanganui coach Andrew Spence said his team scored three goals within the first 10 minutes and the remaining two goals in the second half.
"It was a bit of a thumping all right. Wellington was strongly tipped to win the Curtis Cup again this year. Our boys played really well, passing between sticks to conserve energy, and many of the goals came from runs out wide," Spence said.
"Ryan Gray played particularly well at centre half, as did Ethan Cohen at inside right, although it was a real team effort. They spread the goals around with Ryan scoring one, while Jordan Cohen, Nick Watkins, Cole Brasting and Chris Ferguson also scored one each."
Wanganui first won the Curtis Cup in 1999 and again in 2001.
Wanganui later beat Horowhenua 3-0.
Meanwhile, the under-13 girls were in action in the Rawleigh's Trophy on home turf at the Gonville Domain.
Wanganui girls manager Elaine Baker said the side drew 0-0 against Wairarapa on Sunday afternoon and 1-1 with Hutt Valley yesterday morning. They were due to shape up against Wellington in the late session yesterday and play Manawatu tomorrow.