``And I thought I had no friends,'' 20-year-old Mike Delaney joked as he looked around Whangarei's ITM Rosvall Stadium, where a large crowd had gathered for the Black Sticks' clash with the Northland/North Harbour Invitational side.
Two years ago, Delaney - a rising hockey star destined for national honours, broke his
neck and was paralysed down his right side following a swimming accident in Gisborne.
Yesterday's match paid tribute to Delaney, acknowledging his hard road to recovery, while raising money for ongoing medical treatment costs.
More than $20,000 was donated for Delaney from the match and at a dinner on Saturday night, attended by 180 people.
"It's awesome and so cool to see all my mates out there having a hit around - except that we didn't win," the staunch Northland supporter said following the match, which the Black Sticks won 9-2. "To see the hockey community and wider community up here rallying around to give so much support is great."
Delaney, who was named in the Junior Black Sticks before his accident, complimented their performance and form ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Invercargill early next month.
"My standards for them (Black Sticks) are pretty high but I think they will do well down there and qualify," he laughed.
Delaney's best mate Joseph Bartholomew, who is in the national squad, lined up to play against the Black Sticks in the Northland/North Harbour Invitational side.
"It was very tough match - they are in the middle of their build up for the World Cup Qualifier and they are in shape and on form," he said.
The team were pleased with their first half, restricting the Black Sticks to 3-1, with tight defensive play, but during the second half, fatigue set in for the invitational team and the Black Sticks took control of the match.
Sam Bartholomew and Ryan Cocking were the goal scorers for the Invitational side, while Simon Child scored a hat-trick, and Andy Hayward, Shea McAleese, Nick Wilson and Hugo Inglis scored for the Black Sticksd.
It was a privilege to take part in the match for all of the guys in both teams as they all knew Delaney through hockey and what he had invested into the game, Joseph Bartholomew said.
"We are best mates, through hockey, and I was with Mike when he had the accident, so it means a lot to be here."
