20/09/2026
NHC 2026.
We came into this year with two new-look sides, the two youngest sides across Tier One, but sides packed with talent, largely talent who have cut their teeth locally across our secondary school or club grades.
It is the beauty of the University of Otago that allows some of the best talent from across the country to come and represent the blue and gold, and it left us with two sides ready to challenge this year.
The women cracked the top four for the first time since the 1980s/1990s, and were a shootout away from ending on the podium, but that doesn't even tell the full story. In the bronze medal match, Caitlin Tier had her shoulder pop out for the second time in two games - but that didn't stop her fronting up for the shootout. It might not have ended in victory, but that sort of spirit sums up the Otago way. Our young women gave it their all this week, and with a bounce of the ball it could have been a bronze. The beauty of having such a young team, is this is hopefully just the start, and many will be back to go at least one better next year.
The men's team was equally youthful, but it was awesome to welcome back Jordan Ward and James Nicolson to the fold, who gave this young group plenty of belief. Not to mention Benji Culhane jumping off of an international flight and fronting up for action on Day One. People love representing our wee province, and it is so cool that we can compete on the national stage. It might not have resulted in the gold, but the motivation is there for these young men to come back hungry to go one better in 2027.
A huge thanks to our team support staff. Jaiden, Johnny, Blair, Hymie, Matt & Becs. Huge stints supporting these teams, efforts that we greatly appreciate!
A top, top week for the blue and gold ๐๐
