Blenheim Tournament

Last weekend we went to Blenheim to play in a mini tournament against Marlborough, Nelson and Canterbury.
Our first 2 games against Marlborough and Nelson went well with good team work and 11-0 and 6-0 wins. Our coaches Nigel and Subs were reasonably happy, but we did miss a few opportunities.
Our game against Canterbury was to be our big match of the weekend. Unfortunately, half our team were struggling with food poisoning and sickness so we performed well below our best, losing 6-1.
This weekend saw the introduction of Wellington Bear, the Wellington Hatch Cup team mascot for the past 15 years. Tradition dictates that the youngest team member is given the responsibility for its care and wellbeing for the season. This year Troy has been given the task and so far has performed admirably, including WB in all team talks, games and adventures over the weekend. (He even got to sit in a fighter jet at Woodbourne Airforce Base).
In WB's kit bag are a 'Doh Hat' and a 'Genius Hat', given to players who deserve special mention for activities on and off the field.
The hats changed hands several times, but at the conclusion of the weekend, Max and Sam C shared the 'Doh Hat' for looking like a '3 legged monster' on the field (quote Nigel) and Marc our goalie had the 'Genius Hat' for many great saves against Canterbury.
Another highlight of the weekend has been the emergence of Ryan as an exceptionally solid defensive player. Well done Ryan on your switch from the forwards to the back line.

Practice game vs U-16s

The U13s did well this morning against the bigger boys, holding them to only 6 goals. There were moments when the our boys had them on the ropes, and the U16s had to step up a gear to get out of their half. The older boys used their size and speed to stay on top of the game, but were seriously hassled by the younger ones. The U13s acquitted themselves well, with Nigel Pollock coming away reasonably happy with the outcome.