Sign In / Register
Warkworth Senior Hockey will continue its crackdown on discipline this year after introducing a stand down period for repeat offenders.
The competition will follow New Zealand Hockey guidelines, where players receive points for each card they are shown and then are stood down once the maximum points are reached.
Competition organiser Monique Hatfull says the system should help reduce illegal and aggressive behaviour. Last season, Warkworth Hockey committee member Maree Todd highlighted that a lack of respect was steering people away from umpiring roles. She noted that enforcing tougher penalties at senior level, as well as junior, was important for the competition. Player numbers have dropped this year from 180 to 130.
Monique says some of the difference is due to Rodney school teams not entering after their competition day changed this year.
The Mahurangi College Boys First XI hockey team has high aspirations this season, entering one of its strongest squads in recent times.
The team has already beaten Mt Roskill Grammar First XI, Orewa College First XI and Westlake Boys High School Second XI. Mahurangi College First XI coach Wayne Frost says it’s a positive start.
“We’ve got a core group of five players who I expect a high standard from,” Wayne says.
The team aims to finish in the top four in Tier Two of the Auckland Intercity competition. It also hopes to beat Hauraki Plains College in the annual sports exchange and finish in the top eight of Tier Three at tournament week in September.
“Keeping everyone fit and injury free will be a challenge, as well as making sure every player brings the required intensity to training sessions. We need to work as a team,” Wayne adds.
