Rangi Ruru Hockey Team Wins Federation Cup

The Rangi Ruru Girls’ School first XI hockey team has won the Federation Cup in a nail biting final at the national tournament in Tauranga yesterday.

Taking on local rivals, St Margaret’s College, the winning goal came from captain Charlotte Arthur in the final stages of extra time after the game finished ordinary time with the score locked at 0-0.

The current Porritt Cup champions, Rangi Ruru topped their pool and had to defeat the School Premier League (SPL) champions, Villa Maria to make it to the final.

Rangi Ruru’s Director of Sport, Jo Fogarty said the team showed real grit and determination in defence to take the win.

“The game was very intense. Heading into extra time having faced a substantial number of penalty corners, the girls knew they had to switch their focus to attack in order to get the ball in the net,” said Ms Fogarty.

Rangi Ruru has been the top Christchurch school girl’s hockey team in the Federation cup for four out of the last five years. Coaches John Radovonich and Rachel McCann were confident that this year they had the squad to make the finals again after missing out last year.

"I knew we had the team to win it but that it would take a whole team effort. They produced that today and we're thrilled!" said Miss McCann.

The accolades continued after the game for the Rangi Ruru captain, Charlotte Arthur who was also named the team’s MVP and was also the tournament’s leading point scorer.

The squad arrives back in Christchurch at midday today.