Wednesday 29 April 2026
On Wednesday 23 April the Boys’ First XI Hockey team got their season off to a winning start with a 6-1 win over Pakuranga College. Although the side dominated the possession stats there is plenty to work on regarding creativity in the circle and being able to breakdown defensive structures. Match report below.
Coming from a successful pre-season tour on the Sunshine Coast in 28 degrees to the mild ambience of Lloyd Elsmore Park, the team was determined to get the season off to a good start. They didn’t have to wait long with goals from Niko Huljich (Year 12, Marsden) and a Tarquin Johnson (Year 13, School) penalty corner saw the side take a 2 – 0 lead in the first 8 minutes.
Furthermore, two well taken field goals from Oliver Stewart (Year 12, Marsden) in the second quarter saw King’s extend their lead and things were looking very positive. However, the side conceded a goal just before half time and never really recovered their earlier form. Even with the vast majority of possession, the side found it very difficult to breakdown a stubborn Pakuranga College defence.
It wasn’t until late in the last quarter that King’s were able to trouble the scorers with another penalty corner by Tarquin Johnson and field goal from Niko Huljich. Although the 6-1 score may seem convincing, the team will have to be a lot smarter in their play around the circle and learn to cope with defensive patterns that aim to disrupt the flow of the game.