Losing locally is almost unthinkable for the King’s High School First XI hockey team.
 
The central Dunedin outfit have been undefeated for several years, but two setbacks prior to the Rankin Cup proved to be a blessing in disguise.
 
King’s was tipped over by Otago Boys' High School and John McGlashan College in consecutive games, losses that James Nicolson and Ethan Booth concede were products of the team becoming “big headed.” 
 
King’s had to be switched on in pool play at the Rankin Cup. Grouped with Auckland champions Rosmini College, Whanganui High School and Wellington College, King’s initial goal of a top eight finish could have floundered quickly against quality opposition. 
 
Kings beat Whanganui 3-1, tamed Wellington College 1-0 and held Rosmini to a 1-1 draw, advancing to the top 16 with a new found confidence and resolve. King’s biggest strength was their defence.
 
“We only conceded four goals in the whole tournament. Our defence was massive,”  captain Booth observed.
 
“We knew if we stayed organised and showed a bit ticker we could beat anyone.” 
 
King’s overpowered New Plymouth Boys’ High School 3-1 and Christchurch Boys’ High School 1-0 to establish a semi-final showdown with defending champions Saint Kentigern College.
 
King’s held their nerve to prevail 5-3 in a penalty shootout after scores were tied 1-1 at fulltime.
 
Dave Ross has been coaching at King’s for 30 years and speaking to the Otago Daily Times said:

"You have to be very calm and measured, otherwise you can get too far in front of yourself. When you realise the whole tournament is over, you can breathe a sigh of relief and think did we actually do that.”

In the final, King’s beat Timaru Boys’ High School 2-0, despite having less possession and shots on goal.
Both goals were scored in the second-half by Nicolson and Ronan McNeill. Nicolson reflects on his opening strike.

“They were peppering our goal, but we managed to read most of their plays and got down the other end. The goal was scored from a straight flick. I figured I should have a crack having had few chances earlier.” 

Nicolson was a menace upfront all tournament while Booth was colossal on defence. Zeke Buschl was the glue holding the midfield together and with great support from Patrick Ward and Tom French.

“It hasn't really sunk in that we won,” Nicolson admitted.

“It’s pretty amazing and the school have been real supportive.” 

King’s was the first school from Otago to win the Rankin Cup and just the fourth from the South Island since 2000.

It was a great weekend for the South Island. St Bede’s College beat John McGlashan College in the India Shield final 4-3 on penalties after scores were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation.  

King’s High School Rankin Cup results at a glance:
Beat Whanganui High School 3-1
Drew with Rosmini College 1-1
Beat Wellington College 1-0
Beat New Plymouth Boys’ High School 3-1
Beat Christchurch Boys’ High School 1-0
Beat Saint Kentigern College 5-3 (1-1 at fulltime)
Beat Timaru Boys’ High School 2-0

The King’s High School Rankin Cup winning squad was:
Ocean Allemann, Ethan Booth (captain), Zeke Buschl, Zachary Diehl, Mitchell Fox, Tom French, Adam Greenfield, Sammy Johnson, Henry King, Harry Mason, Ronan Neill, James Nicolson, Joshua Paku, Ben Sowman, Carl von Bismarck, Patrick Ward

Rankin Cup – last 10 winners:
2019: King's High School, Dunedin
2018: Saint Kentigern College
​2017: Christ's College
2016   St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton
2015   Westlake Boys High School
​2014   Hamilton Boys High School
2013   Hamilton Boys High School
2012   King's College, Auckland
2011   King's College, Auckland
2010   Christchurch Boys' High School

The goal for the Taradale High School First XI hockey team in the Johnson Cup in Invercargill this past week was clear cut; qualify for the semi-finals to ensure a place in the 2020 Rankin Cup. 

Taradale went one better; finishing runners-up to Rathkeale College. 

Sean Findlay has helped drive Taradale into the top flight of New Zealand Secondary Schools’ hockey. 

The New Zealand Under-21 selection was the leading scorer at the Johnson Cup, netting 12 goals in six games - six more than any other player.

Findlay, who scored in every outing, is an attacking midfielder and striker and offers an earnest appraisal of his game.

“One of my biggest strengths is my ability to pick the ball off other players as well as my stick work. One of my biggest weaknesses is my size. I’m quite a physical player, but sometimes I struggle against bigger opponents because of my lack of size.”

Findlay started playing hockey when he was seven years old, following in the footsteps of his father. He has been in the Taradale First XI since Year 9 and this season helped Taradale win the Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools Division I competition, featuring five others teams.

“We won the final 3-2 [against Hastings Boys' High School], scoring two of the three goals in the last quarter. The team has really grown this year,” Findlay enthused. 

Findlay identified his parents as major mentors. Simon Nation and Greg Nicol have been frequent coaches, while Shea McAleese is a dominant voice at present. 

Findlay’s excellence in front of goal has been recognized by representative selectors. Findlay was part of the Hawke's Bay side that beat Australian Country and was MVP of that game as well as playing for the senior Central men’s team who faced Midlands.

“Playing for Central was a good step up for me. The game against grown men is a lot faster and physical which is an ideal situation in which to improve,” Findlay observed.

He is back at school this week, but next week his hockey takes him from Invercargill to Tauranga, selected int he 18-player Central squad for the National Hockey League tournament from 14-22 September.

Findlay will have ample opportunities to continue improving after that. He has been picked for the New Zealand Under 18 squad who have a National camp next month. Findlay was also named in the New Zealand Under 21 team which is competing in the Sultan of Jo Hor in October.

“It’s been a great season. I love the sport. I’d like to thank Just Hockey for helping me out with some quality gear to  which allows me to compete at the top level,” Findlay concluded.

Taradale First XI Johnson Cup Results

Group: Southland Boys’ High School, 5-4 (Findlay 3 goals)
Group: Marlborough Boys’ High School, 5-2 (Findlay 2 goals)
Group: Rathkeale College, 3-3 (Findlay 1 goal)
Group: James Hargest School, 6-2 (Findlay 4 goals)
Semi: Cashmere High School, 3-2 (Findlay 1 goal)
Final: Rathkeale College, 1-4 (Findlay 1 goal)