EDUCATION: Westlake Boys
Westlake Squash
Back-to-Back NZ Champions Westlake Boys High School has had another outstanding year on the squash court, with the Premier team dominating all school competitions at district and national levels. Fresh from defending their New Zealand National Champions title, they went on to win the Auckland Premier Boys Division Season finals, finishing the season as: • 1st in New Zealand – Secondary Schools Nationals • 1st in Auckland – College Sport Auckland Team Championships • Champions – Premier Boys Division 1 Season Competition (weekly fixtures) The depth and strength of Westlake squash was demonstrated, with the Premier 2 team also taking fifth place at Nationals and taking third place at the Auckland Finals. Outstanding individual performances came from Matthew Lucente and Gabe Yam, who were selected for a New Zealand Trans-Tasman team to compete against Queensland and New South Wales in August. Contributing to the team’s success by taking part in the weekly competition throughout the season, were Eric Lee, Chris Kim, Felix Kim and Justin Chung. The squad would like to extend their appreciation to Teacher-in-Charge Mr Calver and Coach/Manager Mr Manu Yam for all their help with the team.
Premier Squash Team with the NZ Secondary Schools Trophy.
Premier 1 members: Rafa Yam, Gabe Yam, Matthew Lucente, David Matthews, Akil Afghan and Tom Taylor Premier 2 members: Jien Lim, Zonal Ali, Jono Beazley, Matt Peagram, Sean Kim and Soo-Myoung Jang (captain).
Westlake 1st XV take North Harbour Championship Westlake took on Massey for the 1st XV North Harbour Championship at North Harbour stadium on Thursday 18th August. Fresh from a win over 2015 champions Rosmini College in the semi-final, Massey hit the North Harbour Stadium pitch for the finals fixture against Westlake full of confidence and belief, but by half-time the game was all but over with Westlake ahead 24-3. By the final whistle, Westlake had stretched their lead to an overwhelming 34-3 win. The perfect pitch and conditions foresaw a great running game, which both teams established early on. However, initially the upper hand was gained by Massey, which had faster pace and a stronger backline who were unlucky to have a try disallowed by the TMO. Fine Inisi’s superior speed saw Westlake take the early lead, after the second five out-ran the opposing team to collect a punt by right winger Spencer McDowall, scoring in the right hand corner. Despite this, Massey maintained their dominance and were certain that they had scored through the hands of their captain. However, Massey was starved of another try as the TMO disallowed this second effort within just two minutes of the first. Nevertheless, Massey halfback Miracle Naititi managed to salvage three points by converting a penalty kick positioned twenty metres out and in front of the posts. Player of the match, Fine Inisi scored his second try and then sealed his hat trick within the first 26 minutes. The second five showcased amazing speed and incredible instinctiveness by supporting his teammates and swerving through Massey’s backline. Fine’s brother Lotu Inisi capitalised upon Westlake’s great half with a try of his own. Taking a ball off a rolling maul from five metres out, he stormed over the try line for Westlake to enter half-time with a comfortable 24-3 lead. During the second half, despite Massey spending a large amount of time in Westlake’s 22 for the latter part of the half, Westlake’s strong defensive line and Jack Heighton’s great kicking ability ensured that they never saw the line. Arikitohia Hood-Kaitapu put forward an
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Issue 69 - September 2016 www.channelmag.co.nz
Captain Jack Heighton
Jacob Katipa and Lotu Inisi
impressive running performance, establishing his signature ability to slip out of tackles and through Massey’s defensive line. Despite the full-time scoreboard reading 34-3 in Westlake’s favour, it was noted that Massey demonstrated great sportsmanship by fighting until after the final buzzer. Westlake Boys 1st XV became North Harbour 1st XV Champions for the the 13th time in the competition’s 26 year history. Report prepared by media studies student, Trey Tupu-South