PNBHS 1st XI Hockey

Intercity Final Photos

13/08/26 1st XI Hockey v Feilding Final · Thursday, Aug 13 📸 Shared album · Tap to view!

Rongotai Photos

12/08/26 1st XI Hockey v Rongotai · Wednesday, Aug 12 📸 Shared album · Tap to view!

Good luck to the 1st XI Hockey team playing Feilding High School tomorrow night in the Intercity Final at 7.00pm.

The PNBHS 1st XI hosted Rongotai College in Palmerston North for this year’s traditional exchange, with the home side recording a comprehensive 12–1 victory, retaining the Loudon Cup.

Despite the final scoreline, the 1st XI were not always at their sharpest and looked a little flat at times. However, when they moved the ball with pace and worked together through the midfield, they were able to create a number of excellent team goals.

The 1st XI made a strong start, with Josh Levy, Mitchell Wolland and Josh Belcher all finding the net in the opening quarter to establish a 3–0 lead.

Rongotai responded well early in the second quarter and were rewarded with a goal of their own. The 1st XI then regained control, with Cooper Bramwell scoring twice, while Charlie Brock and Franco Lourens also added goals to take the score to 7–1 at halftime.

The third quarter saw some of the best hockey of the match from PNBHS. Improved ball movement and combination play created further opportunities, with Connor Phillips, Archie Giesen and Josh Belcher all scoring. Belcher’s second goal of the match completed another well-constructed team move.

Mitchell Wolland added his second goal in the final quarter before Luca Steinmetz rounded out the scoring to complete the 12–1 result.

While the 1st XI will know there are areas to improve, particularly around maintaining intensity and concentration for the full match, there were some very positive passages of team hockey and a good spread of goalscorers.

Thank you to Rongotai College for travelling to Palmerston North and for another enjoyable fixture between the two schools.

All the best, Team!

Super 8 Hockey Photos

Super 8 1st XI Hockey New Plymouth · Aug 3 – 5 📸 Shared album · Tap to view!

Intercity Secondary School Competition Semi-final vs Rathkeale College

The PNBHS 1st XI played Rathkeale College in the semi-final of the Manawatū Intercity Secondary School competition, with both teams looking to secure a place in the final.

The 1st XI made a strong start and quickly settled into their structures, moving the ball well and creating opportunities through patient build-up play. Their early pressure was rewarded with three goals in the opening quarter through Josh Levy, Josh Belcher and Connor Phillips.

Rathkeale continued to work hard and looked to disrupt the 1st XI whenever possible, but PNBHS maintained control of possession and continued to create chances. In the second quarter, Josh Belcher added his second of the match before Connor Phillips also scored his second. Sam Wong then found the back of the net to give the 1st XI a comfortable advantage heading into halftime.

The emphasis after the break was on maintaining good habits and continuing to play structured team hockey. Sam Wong scored his second goal in the third quarter before Josh Belcher completed his hat-trick.

To their credit, Rathkeale continued to compete throughout the final quarter despite the scoreline. The 1st XI remained disciplined and finished the match strongly, with Sam Wong completing his hat-trick and Franco Lourens adding the final goal.

The 10–0 win secured the 1st XI a place in the Manawatu Intercity Secondary School final against Feilding High School next week. It was a pleasing team performance, with the side sharing the workload, moving the ball effectively and, importantly, making the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

Super 8 3rd/4th Playoff vs New Plymouth Boys’ High School

The PNBHS 1st XI took on New Plymouth Boys’ High School again in the Super 8 third- and fourth-place playoff, determined to finish the tournament on a positive note. With next year’s tournament seedings also influenced by the final placings, there was plenty to play for.

Both sides were eager to finish strongly, although the 1st XI found it difficult to lift themselves following the disappointment of their semi-final shootout loss the previous evening.

The match ebbed and flowed throughout the opening two quarters, with both teams creating opportunities but neither able to break the deadlock. At halftime, the score remained 0–0.

The breakthrough came in the third quarter through Cooper Bramwell, who returned to the side after breaking a finger in a pool match. He found the back of the net to give the 1st XI a 1–0 lead.

New Plymouth responded soon afterwards with an equaliser of their own, leaving the match locked at 1–1 heading into the final quarter.

With both teams pushing for the winning goal, the contest remained tight. Unfortunately for the 1st XI, it was New Plymouth who eventually found the back of the net to take a 2–1 lead and secure third place.

While fourth place was not the finish the team had hoped for, the 1st XI can take plenty from a Super 8 tournament in which they were extremely competitive throughout. Two very close matches ultimately decided their final placing, with the margins between the top sides proving incredibly small.

Thank you to our sponsors and to all our parents who supported the team in New Plymouth.

Super 8 Semi-Final – vs Hastings Boys’ High School

The PNBHS 1st XI played Hastings Boys’ High School in the Super 8 semi-final, looking for a place in the final for the second consecutive year. Played in freezing conditions, both teams produced a tightly contested match with very little between the two sides.

The match began evenly, with the 1st XI creating several opportunities and looking dangerous going forward. However, it was Hastings who managed to gain the early advantage, finding the back of the net to take a 1–0 lead.

PNBHS continued to apply pressure and were rewarded in the second quarter when Filip Martin scored the equaliser to bring the score back to 1–1.

From there, the match remained an arm wrestle. Both teams enjoyed periods of possession and created chances, but neither was able to find the goal required to break the deadlock. Strong defensive work at both ends ensured the score remained 1–1 at full-time, meaning the semi-final would be decided by a shootout.

After the first five shootouts, the teams were locked together at 2–2, sending the contest into sudden death. Unfortunately for the 1st XI, Hastings were able to take their opportunity and secure the victory, advancing through to the Super 8 final.

It was a disappointing way for the match to finish for the 1st XI after such a closely fought encounter, but the team can be proud of their effort in a game that genuinely could have gone either way.

The 1st XI will now regroup and prepare to face New Plymouth Boys’ High School tomorrow in the playoff for third and fourth place.