A Grade Champions

 The A Grade Bay of Plenty girls hockey final was played at the Rotorua hockey stadium last night.

Taupo-nui-a-Tia College 1st XI, captained by Tash Donald played Western Heights High School, both teams were well matched and the spectators were treated to game of great skills.

Western Heights came out firing in the second half and equalised. With only 10 minutes to go TNT scored from a deflection in the circle but the goal was disallowed.
The final whistle blew with a score of 1-1 so the game went to strokes. Five girls from each team were selected to go one on one against the goalie, resulting in another draw of 3-3.
The umpire took the unexpected decision to award a further 5 strokes to each team rather than go to sudden death. TNT goalie, Aimee Nicol kept her composure under huge pressure and a loud Rotorua crowd resulting in a final score of 8-7

This is the first time Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Girls have won this title and is a well deserved result after a great season coached by Emma Bayley