Waitangi Day at the Hockey

Leaving the 7s to the debauchery and the T20 to the farce that was Eden Park, I decided to do my bit for minority sport in NZ and went along to the Men's Hockey Olympic Qualifying Tournament that is on this week on the North Shore. The 'Black Sticks' are competing with five other teams for the last spot at the Beijing Olympics.

On a scorching day, Rate & Tom joined me in the stands as we cheered on NZ against Argentina, the two top ranked teams in tournament, and at that stage the only two unbeaten teams. Unfortunately our patronage was not enough as the Argentineans were worthy victors 3-1. NZ are still likely to play them again in the final on Sunday, but they will have a lot of work to do if they are to get the better of the 7th-ranked team in the world (NZ are 10th).

We stayed on to watch the Ireland play USA afterwards, and though the quality wasn't the same, there were plenty of goals to see. All one-sided though, as the Paddy's trounced the Yanks 8-0.

Was an enjoyable (and different) way to spend the afternoon, the hockey is fast and surprisingly physical. Though I didn't see anyone employing the one-handed hit and sprint used so effectively by myself in my one season of 6-a-side hockey a few years ago - strange that. Men's hockey also seems notable for being somewhat popular with an array of rather attractive young ladies, so even more reason to go in the future. Of course, I just go for the sport....