Monday, 14 July 2014

Harbour's speed not enough for Tauranga's strength

The North Harbour U14A boys were able to pull off every swim-off win to initiate the quarter, however, that's where the buck stopped.

Tauranga, led by coaching staff Joe Bensley and and Kellie Low, were able to outplay the Harbour boys by the strength of their shot in the advantage situations; both in Penalties and 6 on 5 attacks.



Speedsters In White: North Harbour win 4 from 4 swim-offs. 


Tauranga went on to own the second quarter, with goals to Liam Moffat and Hamish Low, utilising their strength on the outside shot.  North Harbour's #13 Brandon Matthews had earned himself two kick outs early on in the second quarter, but he was also able to come through with the 6 on 5 execution, taking his team to two goals, trailing 2-4 by half time. 


Tauranga's Joe Bensley and Kellie Low talk defensive strategy during a timeout. 

The third quarter was a different story to the earlier two. Harbour's defensive press was much tighter, not allowing Tauranga to score against them at all. However, Tauranga, already ahead on the scoreboard, were just as strong; resulting in a stagnant scoreless quarter. 


Tauranga's defensive press too much for North Harbour. 

North Harbour missed multiple attempts at goal throughout the game - it was just not their day. Meanwhile, Tauranga were fortunate enough to play exceptionally well in this semi final matchup. Harbour were able to score one last time, with #10 Michael Slessor-White making the defensive steal and assisting teammate #2 Liam Wedlock-Aston who nailed the counter attack goal. This took the scoreboard to 3-4, still in favour of Tauranga, but Harbour didn't have it in them to keep the come back alive. Tauranga made multiple steals and used tactical time-outs to remain in possession of the ball in the final few seconds of play to secure the win and their place in the Final.

Tauranga A will go on to play Waitakere Gold in the U14 Boys Final tonight, 7:30pm at West Wave. 

North Harbour will take on Marist Red for the Bronze Medal Match. 



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