Hockey season wraps up in style

Hockey Marlborough’s finals day was marked by some particularly close encounters.

The club season wrapped up at College Park on Saturday with a series of matches designed to confirm final placings, followed by the announcement of the season’s team and individual prize-winners.

The day's final match, the premier division clash between United and Arotea Kiwi could not have been tighter, the teams deciding to share the title after finishing 3-3 at the end of regulation time and still being level after two rounds of penalty shoot-outs.

The College grade final was taken out by the Marlborough Boys’ College 2^nd XI who downed Richmond View 4-0, while Beawai Masters won the division one crown. They were tied 0-0 with The Bus Boys at full time, then prevailed 4-2 in the ensuing shoot-out.

Scores:

Division one: 5 & 6 Arotea 4 MGC 1^st XI 0; 3 & 4 Beawai 3 Awatere 2; 1 & 2 Beawai Masters 4 The Bus Boys 2 after shoot out.

Premier: 3 & 4 Beawai 6 MBC 1^st XI 3; 1 & 2 United 3 Arotea Kiwi 3 after shoot out.

Awards

Hockey Marlborough’s Men’s Player of the Year was Ollie King, who produced an outstanding year on the turf. The midfielder was in consistently fine form for both his club side and the Marlborough rep team. Although a debutant, he gained selection in the Maadi Cup tournament team and subsequently, the Tasman men’s team.

Women’s Player of the Year was Grace Davis, an enthusiastic and valuable member of the women’s rep side. She led the rep side well and played a big part in their success, being rewarded with selection in the Tasman District women’s team.

Most improved men’s player was Taylor Kerr, with Samara Williams taking out the most improved women’s player award.

Terri Hendricks won the award for contribution to hockey administration, while Grant McMillan was awarded the Vivian Underhill Trophy for outstanding contribution to hockey. Most improved senior umpire was Ollie King, with Kennedy Florence being named most improved junior umpire.

In the team awards, the MBC First XI won the Haines Cup for best dressed and sportsmanship, while the Arotea Kiwi women’s side were named most improved team.