Back-to-back champions crowned at Vantage U18s
After a week of sublime hockey in Auckland and Dunedin, expectations were high for finals day of the Vantage U-18 Men’s and Women’s National Tournaments, and our talented players from across the country certainly didn’t disappoint.
Vantage Under-18 women
Umpires: Amy Psalia & Alexandra Etherington
Reserve Umpire: Emily Shelver
Technical Official: Robyn Wells
Semi-finals day on Friday saw both Canterbury and North Harbour progress after narrow shoot-out victories and a closely fought final was anticipated on a showery Saturday at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland.
Those predictions proved correct as after 30 minutes of action, the teams could not be separated. With just moments left in the half though, Canterbury were awarded a Penalty Corner which Penelope Taulafo sublimely slotted in to the back of the net as the hooter for half-time sounded.
An intense second half ensued as Canterbury looked to defend their lead while North Harbour chased an equaliser with energy. That equaliser came early in the fourth quarter as Cleo Loader calmly converted at the far post after some clever build up play from Harbour.
At 1-1, both sides pushed hard for a goal with time running out but at full time, the sides couldn’t be separated, and like the semi-finals on Friday, the match headed to a shoot-out.
From there, Canterbury couldn’t be stopped, converting their first three opportunities to win the Vantage Women’s National U18s for the second year running.
In the earlier bronze medal match, Auckland proved too strong for Hawke’s Bay, winning 5-0. The top goal-scorer in the tournament was Auckland’s Charlotte Goldsmith with 9 goals. Final results and standings are available here.
Vantage Under-18 men
Umpires: Ethan Booth & Christopher Hill
Reserve Umpire: Alex Stuart
Technical Official: Tom Laney
The 2023 Men’s final saw defending champions North Harbour look to make it three National Titles in a row against a spirited Taranaki team who had been playing fantastic hockey all week.
Harbour came out of the blocks flying, with Callum Walker scoring after just two minutes in to the match. Ryan Shiu scored 10 minutes later before Seth Irons converted a Penalty Corner to give Harbour a commanding 3-0 lead.
Taranaki then struck back late in the half, providing some hope of a comeback going into the break. In the second half Taranaki continued to push for more goals but unfortunately couldn’t convert their Penalty Corner in the 3rd quarter.
Early in the 4th quarter, Ryan Shiu nabbed his double for Harbour, and while Taranaki fought hard and nabbed a goal back in the 50th minute, it was too little, too late as the men from over the bridge secured the Paul Ackerley Memorial Trophy for the third year in a row.
In the earlier bronze medal match, Auckland ran out deserved winners over Tauranga 3-1, with Scott Illerbrun securing a double for his side.
The top scorer in the tournament was Aiden Bax of Tauranga with an impressive 13 goals.
Final results and standings are available here.
Finally, a big thank you to Vantage, principal partner of Hockey New Zealand, all of our fantastic tournament officials and volunteers, and of course to Auckland Hockey and Otago Hockey for hosting two amazing events.