Local sides go close, but not quite enough

BREAKING AWAY: Whanganui premier player Zoe Zinsli takes the ball away from Papatoetoe's Rob Vasey during pool play of the nationals on Saturday afternoon. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

Wanganui Roller Hockey squads made two finals, but could not bring home the silverware at the conclusion of the delayed 2015 Roller Hockey NZ Nationals at Jubilee Stadium yesterday.

Starting on Friday, 13 squads - including four local sides - played in three divisions at the national tournament.

Wanganui's best hope was the talented Youth team in the combined Youth/Ladies grade, who won all four of their pool games against Wellington, Hawke's Bay Ladies, Wanganui Ladies and "Papaston North" " a combined Papatoetoe and Palmerston North squad.

"The Youth were winning all the way through, but failed to capitalise," said spokesman Dave Dench.

The team was beaten 3-1 in the final by Wellington.

Dench said it was important to recognise the efforts of the Hawke's Bay and Whanganui Ladies to front with full squads and play in the combined grade.

"It's been good to have them all here.

"It's been quite an intense weekend."

In second division, Wanganui were second in pool play with two victories, ahead of New Plymouth and Palmerston North.

However, Papatoetoe were undefeated and cruised to the title, beating the home side in the final 13-3.

In the Premier grade, Wanganui were a step behind Papatoetoe and Wellington.

They went into the playoff for third with New Plymouth and won 10-4.

The Premier final was won 7-6 by Wellington over Papatoetoe in an intense match with three players sent from the floor in the last 10 minutes, finishing with 3 vs 2 players.