Pre-Season Games v  Gisborne BHS

The first of two pre-season games against our Super 8 friends and rivals ended with a win to Hastings Boys' by three goals to one.  HBHS goals were scored by Dylan Thomas [1] and Jake Webber [2].  The second game was played the following day and again Hastings Boys' 1st XI Hockey won the game 3 - 1.  Goal scorers in the second game were Luke Bradley [1] and Dylan Thomas [2].

In both games HBHS dominated the majority of possession. Whilst Gisborne worked extremely hard in midfield to create turnover Hastings Boys’ faster, more expansive game paid dividends as the team played some really exciting hockey.  The HBHS Hockey Academy, which delivers high intensity full year training, was introduced three years ago and is clearly now paying dividends producing some excellent players.

Above: Nicholas Rogers-Rehn on the ball 

Pre-Season Games v  Napier BHS

This was a clear indication of how far  the HBHS 1st  XI Hockey team has come over recent years. The game was a game of two halves with Hastings totally dominating possession in the 1st half.  At the break they were deservedly 2-0 up with a well constructed goal and an excellent goal from a penalty corner.  NBHS increased pressure in the second half and took advantage of Hastings’ coach Dean Hulls experimenting with a changed formation. Napier scored two goals from breakdown and broke HBHS hearts with a last second goal to win 3-2.  The NBHS coach was clearly relieved  to win.  It was clear that although his team were ranked 6th in NZ in 2010, Hastings Boys’ 1st XI Hockey team has closed the gap  and we look forward to taking them on at Super 8 later in the year.