Tuesday 1 September 2026
The First XI Boys’ Hockey team travelled north on Sunday 23 August to contest the annual fixture against Whangārei Boys’ High School, with the Illerbrun Cup once again up for grabs.
Despite several players unavailable due to illness, injury and commitments to their respective club teams competing in Auckland finals, the team made a positive start to the match, settling into a conservative, possession-based style game.
King’s created a number of opportunities during the opening quarter and took the lead when Jack Harper (Year 13, Marsden) deflected a searing pass from Belgian international Arthur Deschamps (Year 13, Marsden) high into the net, leaving the Whangārei goalkeeper with little chance.
Whangārei responded and continued to create opportunities, eventually finding the equaliser during the second quarter. It was a warm day and with a reduced bench and limited rotation options the King’s players had to manage their energy carefully, with several senior players shouldering significant minutes on the field.
As has been the case throughout the season, Tarquin Johnson (Year 13, School), Oliver Stewart (Year 12, Marsden) and Henry Fletcher (Year 12, Major) provided considerable experience and creativity, while Freddie Abeysekera (Year 12, Major) and Henry Lem (Year 11, School) also made valuable contributions.
With the scores locked at 1–1 heading into the final quarter, the match appeared destined for a draw. However, captain Tarquin Johnson had other ideas. Producing a moment of individual brilliance, Johnson burst into the circle, eliminating four defenders before evading the diving goalkeeper and finding the net with an inch-perfect finish.
With King’s leading 2–1 and only four minutes remaining, victory appeared within reach. Whangārei, however, refused to concede and continued to press until, with just 30 seconds remaining, they found the equaliser.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2–2 draw, meaning the Illerbrun Cup remains safely in the trophy cabinet at King’s College for another year.
While not the team’s most polished performance of the season, the result demonstrated the resilience and determination of the First XI, particularly given the limited playing resources available on the day.