College through after hockey nail biter

Wairarapa College are through to the semifinals of the Federation Cup national secondary schoolgirls hockey tournament at Clareville today but not before they had their army of supporters on tenterhooks.

The defending champions were locked at 0-0 at the end of ordinary time in yesterday's quarterfinal with Villa Maria College, and still level at 4-4 at the end of a penalty shootout.

This left the result depending on a sudden death penalty shootout and, after both teams converted their first two attempts, Wairarapa College's Katherine van Woerkom, who had missed first time round, also found the target to put them 3-2 ahead.

And when Wairarapa College goalkeeper Annemieke Van Vliet saved Villa Maria's third shot she was mobbed by jubilant team-mates, delighted and relieved at having their title hopes kept alive.

There was no question that Wairarapa College were the better team on the run of play. They dominated possession and territory right through the course of the match but, despite the number of penalty corners running into double figures, they got the ball in the back of the net only once. But, to the amazement of players and fans, they had what seemed a fair goal disallowed by the referee.

The lack of penetration in the circle was, however, not just a matter of Wairarapa College lacking finish to their attacking movements. Tribute must be paid too to the defensive efforts of Villa Maria. Spearheading them there was goalkeeper Zoe Johnson, who came through a busy game with flying colours.

Outstanding for Wairarapa College were Megan Hull, Morgan Percy, Emma Smith and Billie Rawhiti and on the few occasions Van Vliet was called on to make saves, she was equal to the task.

St Matthew's Collegiate, who finished third last year, were eliminated from quarterfinal contention when they lost 5-1 to Rangi Ruru in the last of their pool games on Tuesday evening.

In other quarterfinal games yesterday, Rangi Ruru beat St Margaret's College 2-1 and St Cuthbert's beat Epsom Girls 5-2. The result of the Diocesan College v St Hilda's match was not known at the time these notes were penned. The winner will meet Wairarapa College in today's semifinal at 1.30pm.