he 2024 season kicked off in stellar fashion with sunny trials that tested everyone's hydration levels and brought plenty of excitement for what lay ahead. A fantastic return of players from last season, combined with some welcome new faces, laid the foundation for another strong year. The team cultures across the club continued to shine, evident in the loyalty of our returning players and the enthusiastic integration of new ones.
P1 Women continued their reign as a powerhouse in the Wellington competition. They reclaimed the Tier 1 Intercity trophy with style, defeating Hutt United in a hard-fought battle. While they narrowly missed out on the gold medal in the finals against Hutt United, their consistent performances and enviable team culture solidified their status as a formidable force.
The P1 Men started the season with a bang, securing a 5-1 victory against Vic Uni and, soon after, a thrilling 2-1 win over Dalefield at Clareville to bring home the Schaefer Cup for the first time in recent memory. The men faced tough competition in Tier 2 of the Intercity Competition and, while mixed results followed, their cohesion as a team grew. The season culminated in a high-pressure final against Vic Uni, ending in a dramatic shootout that determined the season’s standings.
P2 Men faced a challenging season, finishing 7th in their grade after a hard-fought victory against Victoria Uni in the 7th vs 8th playoff. While the on-field results didn’t always meet expectations, the team found positives to build on for the future. A significant turnover in core players over recent seasons impacted consistency and team balance, particularly in defensive positions. However, the influx of talented school-age players, including German exchange students and Wellington age group representatives, brought energy and speed to the team. Maintaining a positive team environment was a priority, and the players worked hard for each other both on and off the field.
Our P3 Women’s teams had their own standout moments. P3 Gold broke their infamous “3rd place curse” in an unexpected fashion, finishing 5th this year. A strong core of returning players, bolstered by fiery new additions, created a positive and competitive environment. P3 Black emerged as a force to be reckoned with in their grade, challenging opponents with fierce determination and impressive player development throughout the season.
The P4 Men showed determination and grit throughout a tough season. Starting with promising numbers, availability challenges later in the season often left the team short on substitutes. Despite this, their commitment never wavered, delivering 100% effort in every game. Their goalkeeper, Brayden, a 15-year-old Newlands College student, stepped into the role with remarkable composure, improving steadily and balancing his college commitments with club hockey. The team enjoyed moments where everything clicked, scoring some fantastic goals and crafting a couple of memorable wins. While fitness and depth sometimes worked against them in the final quarters, they ended the season on a positive note – not finishing last in the grade! Their resilience and spirit provide a strong platform to build on for 2025.
A special thank you goes to Charles Agate, who has spent many, many years looking after our junior teams with an incredible amount of time and dedication. His hard work and leadership have been invaluable, and the impact he’s had on the club is something we all deeply appreciate. The junior side of the club will surely miss you, but we are excited to have you coaching the P3 Women’s Gold team for the 2025 season.
As we wrap up the 2024 season, we’re already excited for what’s to come in 2025. A huge thank you to all players, coaches, managers, and supporters who made this year so memorable. Here’s to more success, more goals, and more unforgettable moments. Let’s make 2025 our year!
