Hockey: Pressure on for trial

Northland's Bronson Baker is taking part in this weekend's Junior Black Sticks wider squad trial camp. Photo / John Stone

The future of Northland's prowess in the sport of field hockey is in the hands of several promising youths.

Taking part in the final Junior Black Sticks training and trial camp this weekend, defender Bronson Baker, brothers Kurt and Brandon Ford, and goalkeeper Sean Crook will be vying for places in the men's side, while attacking midfielder Ella Kini and goalkeeper Hayley Maunder sit in hope that their performances at the women's camp last weekend pay dividends.

Overseeing the up-and-comers train their hearts out since the Junior Black Sticks wider-development squads were named in the wake of the 2015 National Hockey League, Northland Hockey coach Brad Pitman says there's a relatively good chance a few of Northland's young prospects could solidify a place in New Zealand's 18-strong men's and women's sides.

"It's going to be tough, hopefully they can make it," he said.

"Ella and Bronson have a really good look-in. Ella probably has a very strong chance [and] Bronson, if he can showcase his skills, will have a strong shot."

While Baker played his hockey in Northland this year, Crook was at school in Hawke's Bay and played his hockey there too.

Playing the bulk of their junior hockey in Northland, the Ford brothers, who have been living in Brisbane this year, have returned to crack their chances at the national side.

Training three to four times a week of late, the Northland group have been implementing a blanket Junior Black Sticks training schedule, as well as focusing on skill sessions which "are based around the individual player".

Pitman said these have included "execution of skills under fatigue and pressure," and "playing on the move to try increase the pace of our game".

For the keepers, Pitman - who is a keeper himself - adds that emphasis on the simple things is a strong selling point .

"A big thing is communication and saving the easy stuff [and] repetition of the basic manoeuvring patterns."

The men's Junior Black Sticks are trialling and working towards a Test Series against Australia and Japan in the first week of January, 2016, while the women are trialling towards a Test Series against Australia in the second week of January, 2016.

Results of the women's camp are expected this weekend, while the men will likely know the following weekend.