bLoG
The ups and downs
Rā 246, Rāmere 2 o Mahuru
Early starts don’t suit the Hilly Boys! Neither does a cold, grey, wet and windy Wellington! Losing Lewis and Braydon to injuries on top of Gus being out impacted not just on the physical and skill level of the team but also the mental game. They kept battling but couldn’t break through. This was a final for them: they needed to win to stay in the India Rankin Cup next year. They didn’t. 3.15 saw us all back at the turf for the 27/28th place play off. Gus, having found his shoe and with foot firmly strapped, was determined to play. Scott’s College were bigger and well-drilled and they quickly took control. Once it was clear the game was lost the boys settled in to enjoy themselves. They continued to play hard but had fun as they went. Scott’s took it all in good heart.
Rā 245, Rāpare 1 o Mahuru
And finally a win and 4 goals! Jubilation and relief all round. But the boys made us sweat it out by going 2 – 0 up early in the first half, then letting New Plymouth get back on even terms by half time. The boys gave away a soft goal early in the 2nd half and then equalised with about 10 mins to go. A well defended final second PC sent us into ‘golden goal’, no goalies and 9 men apiece. Tension, emotions running high.. and fortunately, after some pressure in the circle from NPBHS we broke free, got the ball into an undefended circle and scored!!!
Jo was pleased not to be sent into a penalty shoot out!
Rā 244, Rāapa 31 o Here-turi-kōkā
Another game and despite a valiant defence, another loss! The positives are that the boys kept battling and the sun was shining. We couldn’t ask for a better backdrop for ‘colds’ – the beach at Paraparaumu is beautiful. It could be said that some of the boys ran faster to get out of the water once their time was up than they as on the pitch, but that would be a bit mean!
Rā 242, Rāhina 29 o Here-turi-kōkā
Day 1 of the India Rankin Cup and not a great start for the Hilly Boys. Despite dominating possession they didn’t manage to score and Bethlehem took the chances they had and won. In the afternoon the boys played really well, much better than this morning, but were simply outclassed. Gus came away with a pulled ligaments after rolling his ankle in a collision with one 9fcthe STACs players. Hopefully he will be able to play later in the week.
In between games we went for a drive round the bays and wandered a bit. I love the bright yellow of these oxalis against the bluebird springtime sky.
Rā 241, Rātapu 28 o Here-turi-kōkā
On the road to Wellington today to go and watch Aonghas play hockey at tournament week. A beautiful day to travel. Stunning views as we drove along Lake Taupō, along the desert road and down through the Wairarapa.
Rā 220 Rātapu, 7 o Here-turi-kōkā
The sun was out today but there was a biting wind down at the hockey turf.
Day 199 July 17th 2016
A wild, wet, windy, sunny, rainbow day in the Waikato. Typical winter, four seasons in one day sort of day. Perfect for spring cleaning and watching (or playing) two games of hockey. This is from the second game. Gus had already scored twice in his first game and of course, we missed what appears to have been the goal of the season… Solo dribble past three players, one on one with goalie and.. Boom!..in the net! No goals in this game but a solid performance from the boy!
Day 192 July 10th 2016
A cleaning out the garage sort of day… We can now actually walk from one side to the other without having to step over stuff! Two hockey matches for Gus today. The sun set whilst he played the first – a stunning winter sky.
Day 178 June 26th 2016
Caught up with housework today – quite cathartic once I got into it. Escaped to watch Gus play hockey in the rain. The second of his two matches today and it was a good game. Close fought but they snatched a draw from the jaws of victory… the other team equalised in the final minute!
Day 174 June 22nd 2016
Back to work. Plenty of catching up to do. It was a grey day out there and most of it was spent at the computer.
Hockey tonight was the 3rd 4th play offs and it ended in a draw.
