The quality of games throughout this tournament keeps delivering at a high level and once again, the NZ Maori Jr Men seem to be right in the middle of the action in yet another exciting match – this time, against the NZ Indian Men.
Both teams played with passion throughout the first half with each team having their chances throughout to try and impact the scoreboard. It was a penalty stroke on half time converted by Shae Iswar that broke the deadlock and had NZ Indians up 1-0 at the break.
The lead was short lived as NZ Maori Jr fought back immediately after the half time break with an amazing goal by Gregan Maui who beat three defenders entering the circle before finishing hard on his reverse stick shot to beat the keeper.
Iswar was back in the action a few minutes later when he was left unmarked in the circle and deflected home a long, angled pass from the midfield. The score remained unchanged for the next 20 minutes before the NZ Maori Jr responded with their own penalty stroke, well taken by Jordan Thomas.
With 5 minutes to go, NZ Maori Jr subbed off their keeper to push the numerical field player advantage in the hopes of winning their first game. Despite numerous exciting passages on attack from both teams, it was the NZ Indians who grabbed the game winning field goal from an unmarked Eshaan Patel in the last 30 seconds. NZ Indians win 3-2 to advance to the finals.
The women’s match between the same two teams was just as exciting. Both teams had some wonderful attacking moments in the first half with each team owning periods of dominance throughout the game. However, at half time, the score remained unchanged at nil-all.
The game remained tight without score with both teams having their chances. However, it was a penalty corner to Tulin Pritchard with six minutes remaining in the game that was the difference. NZ Indians win 1-0.
Both men’s games results today had an impact on the finals placings. However, the game between NZ Maori Sr and NZ Pasifika had ramifications for both. A win by 3 or more goals to Pasifika would get them through to the final. Any other result would secure the NZ Maori’s finals spot.
Pasifika had been playing below the standards they set at last years tournament but demonstrated right from the start a hunger that had been lacking over the first two games. Pasifika held the ball well and continued to press the Maori for long periods with numerous attacking opportunities. However, it was the NZ Maori who snuck in a shot by Tuterangi Raharuhi that sparked the goal scoring action into life.
Pasifika struck back moments later with a well taken corner from Kervin Guttenbeil to get them back on equal terms. Ten minutes later it was Mark Bell-Kake finishing an outstanding reverse stick shot from the top of the circle to take the Maori ahead again.
The goals continued to flow with an Adam Kailea penalty corner and a penalty stroke converted by Zander Fraser. The stroke was quickly followed by a field goal from Daniel Scanlon one minute later which took Pasifika two goals ahead and on the precipice of pushing their way past the Maori and into the final.
Late in the fourth quarter, Pasifika pushed for that crucial goal they needed and subbed off their keeper. Despite some sustained pressure, the NZ Maori did get an opportunity to pull one goal back to Herewini Iverson to conclude the game. NZ Pasifika win 4-3 and NZ Maori go through to tomorrows final against the NZ Indians.
The final women’s game was a dress rehearsal for the final on Monday with NZ Maori Wahine vs NZ Pasifika. Both teams provided opportunities to their wider squad to play some valuable minutes. However, the scoring was one way traffic for the NZ Maori Wahine scoring regularly throughout the game.
Goals to Kelsey Teneti and a double to Gabrielle Smith reflected a strong overall game by the NZ Maori who came out clear winners 3-0.
