The TigerTurf New Zealand under-18 men's and women's teams have just returned home from their three match test series tour in Canberra, Australia. The New Zealand under-18 women’s hockey side drew the three test series with the Australia Futures, going down 3-1 in yesterday’s final test in Canberra. Meanwhile the New Zealand under-18 men’s team drew their final game to go down 1-0 in the series after a previous draw and a loss.
With a win and draw in the series, the Kiwi women were expecting an Australian comeback in their final match with two early second half goals to the home side being the difference.
All square at 0-0 at halftime despite a strong first half effort from the Kiwis, the Australians scored twice in quick succession after the break with New Zealand’s only response, a Felicity Reidy (Wairarapa) goal.
The home side made sure of the win with a goal only minutes later.
Wairarapa’s Jenna Anderson was named player of the series, while other standout players were Rachel McCann (Canterbury) and Rosie Keddell (Tauranga).
In the men's final match with six minutes to go, Trent Summers (Thames Valley) slotted in a drag flick and it looked like the Kiwis might square the series. But the home side responded immediately to remain unbeaten in the three
matches.
Goalkeeper Ben Smith (Manawatu), Tim Seifert (Waikato) and Jared Nixon (North Harbour) impressed coach Bryce Collins in their final match, with Colins saying it was a much improved defensive effort after Saturday’s heavy 1-6 loss.
The Tiger Turf under-18 teams are part of Hockey New Zealand’s new junior high performance programme, known as the the Owen G Glenn Future Black Sticks Programme, to help develop the next generation of Black Sticks.
Under-18 Women's results - Drew the series
Match 1: 2-0 win
Match 2: 1-1 draw
Match 3: 1-3 loss
Under-18 Men's results - Lost the series
Match 1: 4-4 draw
Match 2: 1-6 loss
Match 3: 1-1 draw
Photo: The TigerTurf New Zealand under-18 women's team (Credit Jenny Travis)
ENDS
