Charlie Falconer. Photo: Linda Robertson It is a big weekend for the next generation of hockey players. The under-21 Matariki Invitational got under way in Wellington yesterday, while the national under-18 women’s tournament is being hosted in Palmerston North and the men’s under-18 tournament is being staged in Tauranga. They both get under way tomorrow. Otago Hockey pathway manager Hymie Gill is hopeful the Otago under-18 teams will do well. He will be in Palmerston North with the women’s team and described his side as an unknown quantity. He said they had trained really well during the past few months and he was keeping his fingers crossed for a top-eight finish. They will lean on centre forward Emily Lockhead to create and finish off scoring opportunities. Alice Porter is a key player in the middle of the paddock for the side, and Sophie Deerness will lead the defensive effort. Otago’s first game is against Tasman tomorrow afternoon. Central Otago and Southland also have a team in the tournament. The under-18 Otago men’s side finished second last year and they have a lot of returnees. Charlie Falconer was the top goal-scorer last year and shapes as a threat again, while Mason Kingan is a drag flick specialist and another player to look out for. Charlie Nicol is charged with creating play in the midfield. The Otago men open their campaign against Canterbury B tomorrow morning. Southland also have a team in Tauranga. The Matariki Invitational tournaments are contested between Otago, Canterbury, Wellington and Manawatū.
