Taupo Nui-A-Tia College

In 2009 we have 4 teams playing. Two girls and two boys teams. The girls first XI team plays on a Tuesday night and the First, second XI boys and girls seconds team play on a Thursday night. Games are either played in Taupo on our hockey turf at the A.C. Baths reserve or in Rotorua. The teams play in BOP leagues draw.

The 2009 boys’ hockey season was one that could never be forgotten. Team selection began early in the year with the first eleven proving extremely difficult to name. After much discussion the team was finalised and the senior boys welcomed a few new players; Ryan Burgess, Timothy Ross and Zac Dale.

The season began with a game against the ‘super 8’ (one of the eight best teams in NZ) team; Rotorua Boys 1st and the first game in the A Grade. After a one hour thrashing it was back to the changing room where the guys were forced to sort it out. From here, our coach Graham Nell organised weekly 6:30am morning trainings. To our surprise, week after week the boys would turn up rain or shine, our weekly sacrifice of sleep paid off, and the team got our act together and began winning.

By the end of the season we were on top (in our minds anyway), coming 5th in the BOP secondary competition, and it was now time for tournament. The team were heading to Stratford, the tiny, flat, quiet, isolated town in the heart of Taranaki. After packing the two vans we set on our way, equipped with the coaching of Graham, the cooking of Nikki, and the... support...? from Bevan?

The games themselves were played with a great deal of pride. After just missing out on the semi-finals the boys took out 5th place. The only two games we lost were to the teams that played off in the final. After a week of getting our knees cut up on the ‘turf’, the guys returned home happy and shattered.

In general we had a great season, we played well, welcomed new players and taught a few of the younger guys a bit about being mature. Credit must go out to these people: Bevan Thompson, the man started shy and a bit afraid, but eventually realised that sarcasm and mickey taking was a vital part of the team’s unity. Thank you so much for being the responsible one on tournament. Shazza, your support has been brilliant; the organisation throughout our years has saved many lives. Nikki Murphy, your patience and commitment to the team kept us going throughout the good and bad. Your love for the game and the team has always been much appreciated, and sometimes a bit intimidating. Graham Nell, especially from the senior boys, a huge thanks. After teaching me, Sam Jensen, Chris Murphy and James Allen from year 9, I don’t know what keeps you coming back. We appreciate everything you’ve taught us and you’ve changed the way we read and play the game, so enjoy the much deserved Jager.

Finally, to the team. We’ve had a great season with well-deserved results. Cheers for making things so smooth throughout. Good luck for next year and good luck for getting Graham to coach again! Ryan stay off the concrete and Heenan good luck with puberty.

Overall the 2008 season for the Boys 1st XI Hockey was a great success; we ended up second in the local B Grade Bay of Plenty Secondary School competition losing the final to Trident High School who had been our toughest opponents during the season. The team this year consisted of many younger players who really stepped up to the mark when needed and blended in really well with the rest of the team.

The B grade consisted of teams from Rotorua and Whakatane so the majority of games were played in Rotorua.

In August we packed up and headed down to Carterton to compete for the Founders Cup in the National Secondary Schools, Tournament week. After four long hours spent in the van, we arrived in Masterton. The first day consisted of two games against Fielding High School and Botany Downs College. Drawing both of these games 2-2, we still had a chance of top eight but after Fielding High School scored against Botany Downs in the last 20 seconds of their game we were out. We had one game each day for the next three days, ending up in 12th position. We were gutted about the outcome but were stoked to be away from school and all had an amazing time. A special mention to Daniel Teddy, our Year 9 goalie, who had a great season and hopefully has been persuaded to drink less coke (thanks Alex !)

The Boys 2nd XI was formed from a social side halfway through the season. They also had a great season ending up in the third spot in the local C Grade competition. They played with great enthusiasm and teamwork. Congratulations to Thomas McCartney who was an amazing captain and also a great first time goalie. Thanks to Shelly Elvins for coaching the boys.

Girls Hockey Report 2008

The 2008 season for our 1st XI Girls Hockey could not have gone better. Not only was there non-stop fits of laughter, we also had a very successful season to be proud of.

The season kick-started with an early game against an international team. We played Oundle from South Africa. With a new and young team we stepped up to the game and made them fight for a victory. With a 2-0 loss we were very pleased with this first result against a much experienced team.

The Rotorua league started in April, with an enthusiastic, young side we started off strong and were able to maintain this throughout the season. Not only did we win the first game of the series, but our talented team managed to pull off every match that we were faced with. This hard work resulted in a very pleasing first place victory of our division ... and we all knew what that meant … we were going to tournament!

As September rolled in, so did our much anticipated tournament, which was to be held in Hamilton. It could be said that we had an extra team member that week known to some as the Karma Cat. Before long the Karma Cat struck upon a member of our team prior to having even stepped onto the turf! Well done Ella for trapping your leg under the seesaw!

Tournament was filled with a lot of highs and lows and definitely a lot of good times. All the girls stepped up to the challenge and never failed to perform at their best. The college was represented very well and great team spirit was displayed along with sportsmanship towards other teams. We placed 7th in the Jenny McDonald tournament which was a very impressive result against 16 other teams from around the North Island.

To the older members of the team it has been great playing with you over the past five years and it was good to finish on such an awesome note with an incredibly fun and successful season. You will all be missed next year!

To the younger girls, good luck for the future. There is a huge amount of potential amongst you all and we look forward to hearing of your success in the years to come. Keep playing hard!

To Ms Douglas, thank you for your expert organisation and dedication to the team and Sue Nesbitt for all the support, all of the tissues and all of the time you have contributed to our team.

And last but definitely not least, to Mr Belk, Coach, Dad. Thank you for believing in us all and for your wisdom and guidance to our success throughout the season! We couldn't have done it without you and you will be greatly missed next year.

Kristy Nesbitt