Sport at the University Games is not just about winning. They are designed to give students a break from serious study.
This is the approach the Otago University men's hockey team has brought to its games.
After two days of competition the players have still to break their duck, but they have enjoyed the experience.
This included yesterday when it kept raining and the players became soaked.
Rain caused tennis to be shifted from Logan Park to the Edgar Centre and bowls was transferred to the all-weather surface at the Mornington club.
But ultimate frisbee and touch were still played on the wet grass at Logan Park.
The captain of the Otago team is physical education student Joe O'Connell (20), who first played hockey at Sacred Heart College and played for Auckland age-group teams before coming to the University of Otago.
''I played hockey seriously when I was at school but my priorities changed when I came to university,'' he said.
Otago was well beaten by Massey 13-7 on the first day but put up a more competitive performance yesterday and was beaten 15-10. It was level pegging at 6-6 at halftime.
It lost to Auckland 21-13 on Monday but closed the losing gap to 11-6 yesterday.
''We played more seriously today and it paid off,'' O'Connell said.
''Yesterday we played socially but it was more serious today. We are trying to win. It is never fun getting beaten.''
Two team members had not played hockey before but they showed yesterday they have potential.
Medical students Tyler Campbell and Michael English were persuaded to join the team by their flatmates.
''It is good to see people who don't play much getting out and having fun,'' O'Connell said.
''That's what it all about at the Uni Games.
''At some stages it is serious but most of us are just enjoying getting out with mates.''
Campbell (20), from Te Awamutu, plays rugby seriously at lock for the Southern under-21 colts team. He displayed hockey talent yesterday, scoring two goals.
''It's a lot different from rugby but it's good fun,'' he said.
''I wouldn't mind playing it socially, but I still love rugby.''
English (20), from Hastings, admitted his skill leaves a lot to be desired.
''It's not as serious as I thought it would be. But this is good because I can get on the paddock more often and have a hit as well. I'm enjoying it.
''I played rugby at school but I'm more into cycling and golf now.''
The best player in the Massey team was Shiz Irani (21) who is studying business at Palmerston North.
He started playing hockey when he was growing up in Lower Hutt and has spearheaded the Massey success at the tournament.
Irani was impressed by the potential of Otago's Campbell on the wing and midfielder Ollie Stevenson.
''But our grit and perseverance pulled us through to wins in both games,'' he said.
Irani had an uncanny knack of being able to turn around on a coin and this mesmerised his opponents.
''I've always worked at my game,'' he said.
''Natural ability can only get you so far.''
