Primary school students clash sticks in Taipa

Action from the Pamapuria vs Oruaiti clash in the FN Primary Schools mini-hockey event at Taipa earlier this month. From left are Jakayla Morunga, Lawe Riwhi-Moihi, George Parslow, Brody Hutchinson and Eric Reid-Pihema, with referee, ex-Black Stick Lizzy Horlock, keeping a close eye on things.

The majority of the players in the 23 participating teams, the field day tournament at Taipa earlier this month was the first time many had played the game of hockey.

The Far North Primary Schools mini-hockey field day on Friday, August 12, provided a chance for students to have a go at a sport which is not usually offered in the Kaitaia area, noted event spokeswoman Lesley Wallace from Sport Northland.

"Competitive hockey in the Far North is limited to Bay of Islands and Kaikohe as these areas have specialised playing facilities. However, this did not stop the students from nine schools going 'old school' and playing hockey on a real grass with all the implications of an uneven surface to deal with."

She noted the teams played a modified six-a-side game with goal scoring encouraged so no goalkeeper was used.

Ex-Black Stick Lizzy Horlock (nee Igasan) was there to support the kaupapa with Pamapuria School and take up the whistle to referee, while teachers, parents and supporters provided the cheer squads for their schools.

Lesley was pleased with how the day ran and thanked the BOI Hockey Association in
Kaikohe who lent extra hockey sticks for the day, Taipa Area School for the use of their grounds, and Sport Northland colleague Garth Hutchinson for also helping out on the day.

"It was great for the kids up North here to experience a sport that is unfamiliar in the area due to limited facilities. It is hoped schools will continue to include hockey as an option for students," she commented.

The next event on the Far North Primary Schools sporting calendar is the cross country finals at Peria on Friday, September 9.