Tough challenge for Under-18s

Hockey PHOTO/FILE

The Wanganui Under-18 team will have a tough ask this weekend against other teams for the lower North Island region as Gonville Domain hosts the Central Hockey mini tournament.

Wanganui's 15-strong squad includes a handful of Manawatu Division 1 players with Tech College Old Boys, several from the Wanganui High School and Collegiate teams, plus former representative player Grayson Belk (Rangitikei College) and Taranaki import Cameron Toffs.

Horowhenua, Hawke's Bay and two Wellington teams - A and Development - will compete in day and early night fixtures.

Wanganui meet Wellington Development today at 5pm, followed by Wellington A tomorrow at 9am, and Horowhenua at 5.30pm.

To make room, the TCOB men's game with Palmerston North Boys' High will start at 12pm at the domain, while the TCOB women's game with PN Girls' High has been postponed due to bereavement leave for one of the player's relatives.

Also this Tuesday at Gonville is the Wanganui primary inter-school tournament. Games will be held from 10am to 2.30pm, with the final starting at 2pm.

Twelve schools have entered teams, with St Johns School being the defending champions.

The Wanganui Under 18 team is:

Jack Abbott (WCS), Tom Adkins (WHS), Grayson Belk (Rangitikei College), Heinrich Burgstaller (TCOB), Jordan Calkin, Reuben Gedye (WHS), Jake Hooper (WHS), Jamie Hurndell (WCS), Albert Jordan (WCS), Tyler Nicholl-Hylton (TCOB/WHS), Jack Pilet (TCOB/WHS), Sam Pilet (WHS), Joseph Redpath (TCOB/WHS), Ronan Spence (WHS), Cameron Tofts (Taranaki).