What a start to the Tournament with 3 of the 4 games going to shoot-out.  This will definitely set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

NZ Indian Sports Association Women vs Heritage Barbarians Women

1st game up in the Women’s Competition is NZ Indian Sports Association vs Heritage Barbarians.  The Indians have had no prior trainings or games and are down on some numbers from last year.  Meanwhile the Barbarians team is full of experience and youth.  The game was closer than what score showed with both teams easing into the tournament.  Final score 3 – 0 to the Heritage Barbarians who have stamped their mark on the Tournament already.  They are here to play some good hockey.

NZ Maori Hockey Wahine vs NZ Pasifika Hockey Women

Game 2 of the tournament and its the powerhouse teams fighting it out to see who will be the favourite of the tournament.  The first of 3 close games saw Pasifika race out to a 2 – 0 lead only for Maori to come back in the last 90 seconds of the game and score 2 goals to force a shoot-out.  The last goal scored was 1 second before the final hooter.  Pasifika took out the game with a well executed shoot-out.  The defending champions NZ Maori Hockey Wahine lose first up.  It will be a tough weekend for them if they are to make the final on Monday.  This game could be the preview to the final on Monday.  Time will tell.

NZ Indian Sports Association Men vs Heritage Barbarians Men

Game 3 and this is set for a repeat of the women’s game earlier.  The defending champions looked like they wanted to make a statement and yet the newly formed Barbarians team, who played a game last night against an Auckland Club team, is looking to upset the defending champs.  Could we have another upset on Day 1.  The game was fast, very close, and yes it went down to a shoot-out.  3rd shoot-out for the day.  The Indians come out with a victory but were pushed very hard by the Barbarians.

NZ Maori Hockey Tane vs NZ Pasifika Hockey Men

Game 4, Day 1, and we are in for a cracker of a final game with both Pasifika and Maori having a fiercely competitive tournament last year.  Last year they played 2 games and it was 1 win each.  The games started with a furious pace and saw Maori dominate for the first 3 quarters and get their score up to 2 – 0.  But the Pasifika men hadnt given up and fought hard in the final quarter to claw back the score and force a shoot-out.  Pasifika took out the shoot-out convincingly and go up 2 – 1 in overall games played at a NZ Heritage Hockey Tournament.  Well done Pasifika.  Maori have some work to do.  Could this be the preview to the final on Monday.  We will wait and see.

Thats a wrap on Day 1.  We hope you enjoyed the games live at the ground or online if you are at home or on holiday.  Tune in for more tomorrow.