In a tense final for the Curtis Cup Wanganui snatched the title with a golden moment in the under-13 boys hockey match against Hawke's Bay in Levin yesterday.
At the final whistle the two sides were locked at 2-all, forcing the game to go into extra time allowing each team
to score the "Golden Goal". The Golden Goal is awarded to the first team to score in extra time. That honour went to the Wanganui lads eight minutes into extra time.
On the road to the final Wanganui beat hot favourites and title holders Wellington 5-nil, Horowhenua 3-0, Rangitikei 5-1 and Wairarapa 8-0 before taking on a strong Manawatu side in the semifinal. Wanganui demolished Manawatu 4-0 to make the final against Hawke's Bay.
Wanganui coach Andrew Spence said he was proud of his boys who had worked tirelessly together to secure the victory and the Curtis Cup.
"The goals were spread around most of the boys during the entire tournament and that reflected the team work involved," Spence said yesterday.