Leg work towards nationals links team

The Wanganui Under-15 hockey team has already put in the effort just to get to next week's national tournament. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The latest generation of Wanganui under-15 hockey standouts have already got some skin in the game when it comes to team bonding.

Under coach Andrew Spence, the squad of 15 will fly out on Sunday for the start of their week-long national tournament in Christchurch, which has been their focus for the past two school terms.

As any amateur sports participant will tell you, money is tight, so as well as mum and dad lending a hand the boys have been beating the pavement to secure sponsors while also running car wash fundraisers at the Trafalgar Square shopping carpark.

Spence, principal of Churton School, said all the extra leg work was an advantage as the team who come from St Anthony's, Cullinane and Wanganui high schools have had time to develop their culture.

Hockey Wanganui is hopeful the team can make an improvement on last year's national tournament, which was a disappointment for the under-15s.

"I suppose we're going down there being pretty realistic. If we can finish middle of the table it will be good," said Spence.

"As a team we play fairly structured hockey. I think our defence is our strength."

Wanganui U15 will work towards wearing down their opposition while looking to slot a couple of goals themselves. They have played a number of warm-up tournaments, including last weekend at Gonville Domain.

Wanganui beat Manawatu 3-1, lost to Wellington 2-0, but rebounded to hold off Hawkes Bay 1-0.

Spence coached most of this team as the successful under-13 squad last year, who won the regional Curtis Cup.

He said there is good competition within the whole squad with all being capable of making the starting lineup. The nationals will consist of four pools of four teams, followed by the knockout playoffs.

Wanganui is drawn with Waikato, Thames Valley and North Otago.