Pegasus eyeing third of season's goals

Press, 9 October 1987, Page 36

Pegasus eyeing third of season's goals

1 By

KEVIN TUTTY

Before the start of the 1987 hockey season the Pegasus premier men’s team and Its coach, Paul Clark, set three goals for the year. Clark and the players earmarked the Canterbury indoor hockey championship; the premier men’s championship; and the Adidas national club championship as their goals. Pegasus won the indoor championship for the first time in the club’s history, beating the favoured University team in the final. In the premier championship it foiled to achieve its goal, finishing second to the defending champion, Harewood. This week-end Pegasus will be seeking its third goal — the national club championship, and its . form in the South Island finals four weeks ago suggested it could return the title to the South Island for the first time since 1983. Mr Clark said the degree of self motivation in the team for the week-end was as high as it had been all season. “They have been very dedicated to their training, and they are determined to do well not just for themselves and the club, but also for Canterbury hockey. It would be nice to win the inter-club title to go with the Challenge Shield.” If the team needs any additional motivation it will be provided by Mr Clark himself. This is his third — and last — season I with the premier team. Work commitments have forced his retirement from the position. When he took control of [the side in 1985 it had

finished ninth 'in foe senior championship the previous season. In 1985 it was seventh, last year it was fourth, and this year, second. Until this < season Pegasus has been an enigmatic team. The core of the side has been together several seasons and as youngsters was being touted as a championship winner three years ago. Only now are the maturity and experience that come with age beginning to show, and the team, if it stays together, faces an exciting future and many more titles. The squad of 12 that will play in Wellington this week-end will have an average age of 21.5

yCBTSv ■ “If the players stay together,. and are guided property they will be a major force for some years to come In Christchurch hockey,” said Mr Clark. a The team is gaining in experience each season. This year eight bf the squad were in either the' Canterbury A or B teams at the Post Bank national tournament in Whangarel. Last week-end the club provided three players for a New Zealand junior coaching and selection week-end in Wellington and all three players — Scott Hobson, Craig Mcßobb and Tim Harvey were selected in the New Zealand junior team to play the Australian In-

preaentative for four Sf IS ■>:iirtkMal/ tsnMi.-?two'years SnSfbeto win tte but nffo* H4ngfoaematcb.it will probably foe ville, in .foa.'lfoal on Sun-