Busy time for U11 girls

The Wairarapa under-11 girls A hockey team is for a busy time at their regional tournament which gets under way in Napier next Monday.
They face a programme which will see them playing seven matches over four days, including pool games against Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Manawatu, Poverty Bay and Taranaki B.
Coach Catherine Smith has been pleased with the progress made by the side, which recently won a mini-tournament in Palmerston North, and expects them to be a competitive unit.
Brief pen portraits of the players:
KELSEY LINTON: Kelsey is the team captain and plays at inner or in the halfline. Not only is she versatile but she has a high workrate and a feisty attitude. She leads by example.
PETRA HALL: An important member of the defensive line-up, Petra is the vice-captain. She also has good leadership qualities and is strong on the ball.
JAIMEE HICKS-WILTON: Jaimee is a defender who has fine distribution skills and a powerful hit She is an astute reader of the game and works hard.
MIKAELA BIRD: Mikaela lacks nothing on the score of endeavour. She is the first runner in defensive penalty corners.
BRIGETTE MOSSMAN: Brigette is an energetic and enthusiastic defender who will be playing in her first tournament.
HENI METCALF: A player with good vision and a huge hit Heni is a valuable part of the defensive unit.
ALEXIA WALES: Alexia's versatility comes in handy in defensive situations. She has a good hit and a high workrate.
ASHLEIGH LONG: Ashleigh is goalkeeper and has had three years experience of tournament play. She has gained confidence through the extra coaching given her by Dalefield senior men's coach Mark Fenwick a 'keeper of note himself in his playing days.
HANNAH LANG: Hannah is a forward who brings strength and speed to the attacking line. She has scored twice already this season.
SARAH MARFELL: Sarah plays in the forwards and holds her position well. Her drag flick is a valuable asset for attacking penalty corners.
EMMA SMITH: Emma is capable of splitting any defence with her skills and she is also a fine distributor of the ball.
KATE NELSON: Kate links well with Emma Smith in the forwards and they are a dangerous combination on attack. She is another with a high workrate.
PAIGE BLUNDELL: Paige is a forward who plays well on either side of the field. She is strong on the ball and determined with it.,
HARRIET GIBSON: Another of the forwards Harriet gets through a power of work and is very strong on the ball.