Hockey - Boys - 2012

Rosmini College were on their home turf and knew a win by two or more goals would secure them 5th place whereas the MAGS team needed a draw or a win to secure their best finish ever in the Greater Auckland competition.

It was the MAGS team who were able to break into their attacking circle and the right attacking midfield player, Ryan Goode had the first shot on goal after just three minutes.

Torrential rain and belts of thunder were not the weather conditions the team were hoping for when they left school for the 6.00pm start to their final round robin game against Kings College at their home turf.

The game started slowly with both teams under-passing forcing plenty of turnover ball and it took time to adjust to the wetter than usual conditions. It was the MAGS team who settled into their game plan earliest.

The MAGS team settled into their game plan and worked the ball through the midfield with Daniel Panchia and Terry Gada finding plenty of space to move the ball with speed.

The 5.10pm start at the Auckland Grammar School Fuji Xerox turf in cool, wet conditions against the North Harbour competition champions began with the MAGS team under the pump from the opening whistle.

It was the MAGS team who settled into their game plan early and had the St Kents team under pressure forcing turnover ball, however the opposition were the first to be awarded a penalty corner in the fifth minute.

The play-off for 3rd/4th place was an unfamiliar place for the Auckland Grammar School side, however the MAGS team were entering new territory and were determined to give the Grammar side a fight for the coveted place in the top Intercity competition.

Very wet driving conditions were encountered as the team travelled to Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga to play in the semi-final match of the AKSS Premier Boys competition against St Kentigern College.

The MAGS team started well creating pressure and closing down the King's team through the midfield, however they were still able to have two shots on goal within the first seven minutes.

It was not until the 11th minute that the MAGS team was able to force the mistake from the Sacred Heart defense and was awarded their first penalty corner.

Macleans College had already beaten the MAGS team in a pre-season game 0-3, so coach Thomas Guy, was determined to set the tone early in the 5.00pm scheduled game at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

The MAGS team started strongly and it was the centre striker, Wade Somani who found space right through the midfield and found himself unhindered as he dribbled his way into the attacking circle and had his first shot on goal in the back of the net within the opening 20 seconds.

The MAGS team took their chances early putting pressure onto the Avondale defensive team and was awarded four penalty corners within the first ten minutes.

The 1 ^st XI Boys Hockey team was invited to participate in the ANZAC Hockey Festival hosted by Auckland Grammar School during the holidays from Wednesday 18 Friday 20 April.

Macleans College started strongly and caught the MAGS defense napping and had their first shot on goal after only one minute of play, which missed the target.