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The Warkworth Hockey Premier 3 men’s team has won both the North Harbour Hockey Association (NHHA) championship trophy and the NHHA finals day shield – the first time in the club’s history the side has secured both titles in the same season.
“We’ve won the shield, but never alongside the championship. It was a really successful year,” committee member and goalkeeper Graham Buchs said.
A tense final against East Coast Bays for the shield saw Warkworth storm ahead 2-0 in the opening quarter, only for Bays to claw back to 2-1.
The match remained on a knife-edge until the final minutes, when Warkworth struck again to make it 3-1. Bays scored a consolation goal late from a penalty corner, but it wasn’t enough, with Warkworth running out 3-2 winners.
“It was an awesome game. East Coast Bays had some ex-Black Sticks in their side and a lot of young talent, too. We had to work hard to hold them out. For me, it was special being in goal that day. I made a few important saves and was named Player of the Day.”
He added humbly, “Can I say that?”
Standout performances also came from striker Grant Hamilton, the team’s top goal scorer, and midfielder Will Hay, who controlled possession and set up attacks.
Overall there have been strong results across the club this season.
The Premier 3 women’s side also enjoyed an impressive campaign, finishing runners-up in both the championship and finals after a strong season.
Moreover, Prem 3 striker Monique Hatfull has been selected to represent New Zealand in the Women’s 35s team at the Asian Continental Championships in Hong Kong, which takes place from November 26 to 30.
Meanwhile, the Division 2 women’s team claimed the championship title in their grade, but unfortunately went down in their semi and didn’t qualify for finals day.
Subsequent to this, they played a promotion/relegation match against the bottom Division 1 side East Coast Bays on Sunday, September 7, but lost 3-0.
“Not the result we had hoped for but the girls played really well and had several chances – it just wasn’t to be on this occasion,” Buchs said.
Warkworth Hockey also celebrated a major boost to its operations with a new team van generously donated to the club by local businessman Chris Murphy, from Real Living at The Oaks.
The gift replaced their aging Ford Transit, which had clocked up over 550,000 kilometres and in turn has been donated to Ahuroa Montessori School.
“It was an outstanding gesture. The new van has made a huge difference for us, and being able to pass our old one on to a school felt like paying the support forward.”
For Warkworth Hockey, the combination of on-field success, off-field support and long-term vision has created plenty of momentum.
“At the end of the day, hockey is about teamwork – whether that’s on the turf or in the community,” Buchs said.
“We’ve had a great year, but what’s coming next is just as exciting.”
