Although the score suggests it was done with ease, the team took a bit of time to settle into a pattern of play and it wasn’t until the 14th minute that Karl Wallace (Year 12, Parnell) converted a penalty corner. This was followed by a field goal from Danny Jeeves (Year 13, Selwyn) and the team went into the half-time break 2-0 up.
The second half was a different story with King’s being a lot more disciplined and clinical in the circle. Barely a minute in and King’s went 3-0 ahead and from then on, the goals kept coming. Scott Illerbrun (Year 10, School) was dynamic in the circle and completed a hat-trick as did Danny Jeeves. Further goals by Tom Lindberg (Year 12, Greenbank) (PC) and Achindra Molamure (Year 13, Averill) saw King’s hit 9-0. Karl Wallace, Toby Irvine (Year 13, Greenbank) and Max Stening (Year 13, St John's) controlled the midfield area and there was much better ball speed and passing throughout the team.
What was pleasing was the way the team came out with more purpose in the second half and continued to play an expansive game even though they were well ahead on the scoreboard – the last two goals came in the final 5 minutes. Next week sees a playoff for 3rd/4th place in Auckland and this will be followed by the very competitive SuperCity Competition which includes the best teams from the North Shore.
Mark Johnston
First XI Hockey Manager
