SPORT Hockey
MiC/Manager: Darrell Thatcher In 2024, there was a slight drop in the number of boys playing hockey, with only five teams lining up in the local competition. The 1st XI, 2nd XI, Colts XI, and CC Black XI were all selected on ability while the Senior XI was a self-selected ‘social team’. There were several season highlights, including three teams competing at tournaments, enabling the development of on-field hockey skills and off-field personal skills, and the creation of lifetime memories. College also welcomed player Theo Kalda for six weeks under the German exchange programme, while Max Hardacre attended Gymnasium am Moltkeplatz School in Krefeld. The Colts XI and CC Black XI were 3rd in their respective grades and caps were introduced for boys who had played 25 and 50 games, respectively, for the 1st XI. Meanwhile, players of all abilities enjoyed their hockey, making the most of the team environment while improving their skills and fitness along the way. The 1st XI featured nine returning players (including seven Year 13s). Competing at the preseason Anzac Tournament in Timaru, the team won all four games, including a 1–0 victory over Christchurch Boys’ High School (CBHS). In the local competition, the team was 2nd following round-robin play, with wins over Shirley Boys’ High School and St Andrew’s College, draws with St Bede’s College and Timaru Boys’ High School (TBHS), and a loss to CBHS. In the second half of the season, College beat St Andrew’s College and then CBHS to win the Challenge Shield. However, College soon lost the shield to TBHS. In the semi-final against TBHS,
College held the lead until the last play before TBHS equalised through a penalty corner. College then lost the shootout. In the final local game of the season, College lost to CBHS, 4–5, to finish a disappointing 4th overall. The Rankin Cup/India Shield Tournament was held in Tauranga, with the team again qualifying for the top-16 Rankin Cup section with wins over Shirley Boys’ High School, 6–1, Paraparaumu College, 8–2, and Wairarapa College, 5–0. In the top-16 knockout game, College beat St Bede’s College in an exciting shootout, having been 1–1 at fulltime. In the quarter-final against TBHS, College led going into the final quarter only to concede two goals and lose 2–1. It was a disappointing result, with College the better team but failing to make the most of the opportunities. College bounced back to beat Hamilton Boys’ High School, 3–2, and Palmerston North Boys’ High School, 3–2, to finish 5th overall. It was the fourth-best finish for College at the Rankin Cup. The 2nd XI navigated a challenging year, winning only four matches and drawing another. However, it was a fair return considering the youth of the team and the focus on team development and tactical awareness throughout the season. Matthew Flint led the team well and both Charlie de Costobadie and Thomas Clayson also played for the 1st XI. The 2nd XI Galletly Cup tournament in Cromwell was an opportunity for coach Llewey Heale to blood younger players in a competitive environment. Many players had improved dramatically throughout the season. The Colts season was one of two halves. Under the guidance of
Kyle Houston and Tom Clarke, the Term 2 phase involved a significant learning curve on the importance of structure, using the back four to control the game and develop a sense of team play as opposed to individual flair. With several players involved in club hockey, the team was not short of skilled players but building player connection took time. Several Colts players were eligible for the U15 Tanner Cup Tournament in Hamilton in the July holidays, honing their skills alongside 1st XI and 2nd XI U15 players. They brought these skills back to the Colts for the second half of the season. The improvement was noticeable as the team enjoyed a four-game winning streak. In the playoff for 3rd and 4th, the Colts turned around a 1–4 defeat by the College Senior XI earlier in the season to win 4–1, and claim 3rd spot in the division. While the Senior XI was not as experienced as in previous seasons with only three Year 13s starting the campaign, the Years 11 and 12 players stepped up on the field. Defence was key in every game, with Year 11 students Cameron Kidd, Eli Clarkson, Noah Kingston, and Jack Payne all lifting their skills. Coach Jakob Ambrose was also pleased that so many boys sought skills guidance for the summer, and information on club hockey and opportunities for those leaving school: “As a coach, to create environments that develop a lifelong passion for sport and physical activities is incredibly rewarding. Seeing the boys eager to continue improving and seeking out opportunities beyond school shows that the foundation we’ve built goes beyond just winning games.”
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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