Tournament Week 2025: Boys Hockey
Posted on September 11, 2025
After a tough tournament week in 2024, the Macleans College Boys’ Premier hockey team entered this year’s Mayhill Cup determined to improve.
Months of preparation - focused on fitness, tactical awareness and team spirit - set the foundation for a successful run.
That effort was rewarded in the pool stages. From the first game, the players combined sharp attacking play with disciplined defence and their confidence grew with each match.
Their opening fixture was against St John’s College of Hamilton, last year’s tournament runners-up. Although Macleans College dominated much of the play, the match ended in a goal-less draw. The team responded by lifting their intensity and winning three consecutive games: a 5-1 victory over Stratford High School, a 3-2 battle against Northcote College and a determined 2-1 win over Taupo-Nui-a-Tia College.
These results secured a quarterfinal against Hauraki Plains College. Despite a narrow 1-2 loss, the boys showed resilience, regrouping to defeat Mount Manganui College 2-0 in the 5th-8th semifinal. Their final challenge was Rangitoto College 1st XI, a formidable opponent, and their seventh match in five days. With two senior players sidelined by illness and others carrying injuries, the team fought bravely but went down 2-4. The result secured sixth place overall - an achievement that reflects remarkable growth and signals an exciting future of Macleans College hockey.
Every player contributed to the team’s success, with standout recognition going to Luke Meiring (Batten House), who was named Players’ Player of the Tournament for his consistent effort and commitment.
The week demanded grit and discipline, from ice baths and recovery sessions to tactical video reviews and daily goal setting. The boys embraced every challenge, supported each other and never lost their sense of humour. Finishing sixth out of 19 schools was a result to be proud of, and a clear sign of progress.
Special thanks and congratulations were given to the Year 13 leavers - captain Sam Bray (Rutherford), vice captain Xavier Madden (Rutherford) and Aadit Shukla (Hillary) - for their leadership and dedication throughout the season. The team also expressed deep gratitude to coach Zoe for her positive influence and technical expertise, which played a vital role in their performance.
