Chica Gilmer Trophy Tournament Summary
MAGS finished the round robin with one win, one loss record, putting them in second place behind Pukekohe High School. In both games, they dominated possession and had more scoring opportunities, but were hindered by some poor shot selection and committed defence. However, their 2-1 win over third-seeded Iona College was enough to cement their place in the quarter-finals.
The quarter-final was against the top-seeded team Napier Girls' High School. MAGS began the game in dominant fashion, scoring a well-constructed field goal after only three minutes. Napier did equalise mid-half, but this was short-lived as MAGS scored straight off the restart. The 2-1 score remained until full time.
MAGS won the the semi-final against fourth seeds Wellington East Girls' College 1-0. This also means are through to the final and the Marie Fry tournament for 2013. Their opponents in the final were St Peter's College who won the match 2-0.
The girls had a wonderful tournament beating the 1st, 3rd and 4th seeds on the way to second place and spot in the 2nd tier Marie Fry tournament for 2013. This accomplishment is huge, given the age of the team with 13 of the 15 players returning in 2013.
The coach and manager are unbelievably proud of the girls and the MAGS spirit they displayed through this grueling tournament.
FINAL - Friday 7 September 2012 vs. St Peter's College
MAGS entered the final against St Peter's with grim determination. The team was battered and bruised from a week of hockey, but were focussed on the ultimate prize. The first half was a tense and tight affair. Both teams played very structured disciplined hockey, feeling each other out for that elusive scoring opportunity. At half time the score remained at 0-0. Soon after half time, St Peter's forced at penalty corner and, while Breahna Ward made a very good first-up save, the rebound was flicked into the back of the net. Soon after, MAGS found themselves 2 goals down when St Peter's converted a very good field goal after a concerted attack. For the final 10 minutes, MAGS threw all into attack, but their exhaustion was clear and the St Peter's defence resolute. Goal Keeper Breahna was subbed for the last 5 minutes to allow an eleven-player attack but MAGS was unable to capitalise.
Final score 2-0.
SEMI-FINAL - Thursday 6 September 2012 vs. Wellington East Girls' College
MAGS headed into the semi-final against Wellington East Girls in a confident mood after a week of attacking hockey. However, the Wellington team proved to be a very different kettle of fish than what MAGS had met before. A very structured approach, with an attack that stretched the MAGS defence to their limits, was evident from the opening whistle. For the first time, MAGS found themselves being dominated, being forced into a very defensive role. Goal keeper Breahna Ward was heavily involved making a number of saves and at the other end of the park. The Wellington defence was superb in cutting down the MAGS attack.
The game seem destined for a draw until a through ball from Hannah Ward found Te Aorere Salter at the top of the circle, who, with a deft backhand touch, found Hannah Elia and while the goalkeeper saved her first shot on goal, she could not contain a magnificent reverse-stick shot that ripped into the top of the goal.
MAGS 1 Wellington East 0 and MAGS are through to the final and the Marie Fry tournament for 2013.
Wednesday 5 September 2012 vs. Napier Girls' High School
MAGS began their quarter-final clash against Napier Girls' High in scintillating fashion when a through ball from Hannah Elia found Briar Tippet unmarked in the middle of the circle for a great goal after only three minutes. The next ten minutes was a pulsating affair, both teams evenly matched, although MAGS attacking hockey was proving hard for Napier to contain. In a rare foray in to the MAGS 23, Napier penetrated the MAGS defense and, in the following melee, managed to get the ball past a very valiant Breahna Ward in goal. However, their joy was short-lived, as from there start, Hannah Elia, with some bedazzling skills, again found Briar Tippett in the circle and she calmly slotted the ball for a 2-1 lead. This score was to stand for the remainder of the game, The MAGS defensive unit was outstanding giving very little opportunities to their opposition. Kasey Nihill was immense in defence, together with Grace Holland whose defensive speed was awesome.
Player of the day went to both Ruby Mansell, who was pivotal in linking defence with attack, and Briar Tippett for her sublime finishing skills.
Tuesday 4 September 2012 vs. Iona College
MAGS entered this game knowing they needed a win to enter the quarter finals. After a great deal of soul searching following their first round loss they were determined to present a much more united front against a strong and structured opposition. The game followed the same pattern as their first game, MAGS dominating the midfield and exerting huge amounts of pressure on the Iona defence. However, the back of the net was again hard to find with 4 shots going wide and 2 saved by the goalie. Our circle was rarely troubled and the goalie unused. Finally in the 25th minute Hannah Elia was put into space by a Briar Tippett pass and eased the ball past the goal keeper to take a 1-0 lead. This score was to remain to the end despite having 7 more shots at goal in the second half, including a stunning slide by Shae Miller deflecting the ball millimetres outside the post. There were harrowing moments late in the second half when MAGS were camped in their own 23, culminating in a penalty corner. However the defensive unit were too tough to crack, holding firm and ultimately winning the game.
Player of the day was Sarah Crowhurst for her uncompromising defence against a very physical opponent. Her cover tackles and support was exemplary. Hannah Ward also stepped up as captain, providing the midfield stability required in tournament hockey. Hannah Elia had her best game in MAGS colours causing havoc amongst the Iona defence.
MAGS now go through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 4 years, where they meet the unbeaten Napier Girls High.
Monday 3September 2012 vs. Pukekohe High School
MAGS began the Chica Gilmer Trophy Tournament against local rivals Pukekohe. The team was in an aggressive mood, dominating the midfield and sending attack after attack into the Pukekohe circle. The Pukekohe goalie and defence were solid and managed to keep the score sheet clean. At the other end the MAGS goal was rarely troubled, the goalie being called into play only once in the first half. The half ended 0-0. The second half was a repeat of the first, the MAGS girls pressing hard on the Pukekohe goal and looked very likely to take the game. However, the MAGS hoodoo of failing to make the most of their opportunities continued and this was compounded when they found themselves a goal down mid-way through the second half when Pukekohe fortuitously deflected a ball into the goal. MAGS tried hard for the remainder of the game but couldn't find the back of the net. The score remaining 1-0 at full time. Another game of lost opportunities with 16 circle penetrations and 14 shots on goal (as compared to 8 and 3 by Pukekohe) illustrating the dominance the team had over their opposition.
Player of the game went to Grace Holland for her outstanding cover defence and accurate ball delivery to her forwards. Claudia Howlett contributed well with her first game back after illness and Courtney Wright continued her development as a live wire striker haranguing defenders.