Under-13s well ahead of predecessors at Hatch Cup tourney

CAPTAIN WANGANUI: Connor Hoskin has had a great Under-13 national tournament as the team's leading goalscorer. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 09102015WCSUPHOCKEY1

The Wanganui Under-13 boys have lifted themselves well above their predecessors at the Hatch Cup tournament in Timaru this week.

Under coach Kylie Penn, the Wanganui side had come in hoping to finish much better than the 19th place from the 2014 tournament.

They were heading into the play-off for ninth place today after finishing third in their pool and then winning their two post-section matches.

Wanganui started Monday with a 4-3 win over Horowhenua-Kapiti, then were beaten 2-0 by Hawke's Bay in a tough match where Penn said the boys gave it everything.

That took its toll for their Tuesday morning match, a 4-1 loss to Otago, but Wanganui rebounded to beat Wairarapa 3-0 and Central Otago 3-0.

Going into the second-tier play-offs against Northland - favourites after coming fifth last year - Wanganui emerged with an epic 2-1 win after captain Connor Hoskin scored in golden point extra time when a stroke went off a foot inside the circle.

That put Wanganui up against Manawatu yesterday, and they defeated their neighbours 1-0 after a goal in the 50th minute.

From the 14 goals in the tournament for Wanganui, Hoskin has scored eight of them, while Joel Clark has three.

The Wanganui Under-13 girls team has been in action in the Collier Trophy tournament in Palmerston North.

Coached by Aaron Manville, the team had some tough low scoring games, finishing fifth in their six-team pool.

A 1-1 draw with eventual title finalists Hawke's Bay was followed by a 2-1 loss to Bay of Plenty, then another 1-1 draw with Central Otago.

Wanganui finished their pool with losses to North Harbour (4-0) and Otago (2-0).

In post-section, Wanganui had a good 3-1 win over Marlborough, then beating Eastern Southland 2-1.

They will face South Canterbury in their Bottom 8 play-off today.