NEW ZEALAND
SECONDARY SCHOOLS WINTER SPORTS TOURNAMENT 2017 This year we had teams in Badminton, Basketball, Football, Hockey and Netball compete against the best schools in New Zealand in what is always a fabulous opportunity for our sports teams. It really was a week of exceptional sporting moments with some exciting matches across all our teams. I am delighted to report that all our participants never ‘gave an inch’ and never stopped trying. It is the chance to test yourself and the team against the best schools in New Zealand. Congratulations to all involved and a special mention to our coaches, managers and staff who were involved. Every year it is a big week and requires passion and enthusiasm.
Also in Napier, our Senior Boys’ Badminton team competed in the division two national finals. The team was competitive and forced many close matches into third sets. They placed 11th out of 20 teams. The squad all return next year; so with this experience under their belts and with continued hard work and focused training, they can build on this result.
In Napier, our Girls’ 1st XI competed in the tier one National Championships while the Boys’ 1st XI Hockey team were in Hamilton for their tier one National Championships.
Out in Papakura the Boys’ 1st XI Football team were in fine form, undefeated after four games. A 0 – 1 loss to Cambridge meant they missed out being in the top eight. However, they did finish the tournament well, winning a penalty shoot-out against Onehunga High and placing 14th out of 32 teams. They were very competitive in all their games, playing with tremendous spirit.
Both teams were competitive and gave it their all. The girls’ team got off to a great start with a 3 – 1 win over Epsom Girls Grammar and also had wins over Baradene and Otumoetai colleges with one-goal defeats to Tauranga Girls’ and Saint Kentigern colleges. They placed 22nd out of 36 schools and retain their tier one status for 2018. The Boys’ Hockey 1st XI in Hamilton were in a tough pool but managed a very good win over Rangitoto College, 3 – 2. They had two further wins over St Patrick’s from Wellington and Burnside High from Christchurch. These victories ensured, like for the girls, that they retained their tier one status for 2018. Captain Connor Greentree was the tournament’s top goalscorer; his impressive tally of 17 was four more than the next player’s.
Our Girls’ Netball team have battled injuries all season. This continued at the UNISS tournament in Auckland. Despite this our girls never stopped trying and finished the tournament with some exciting play. They defeated Rosehill College in their final game to ensure their status in division two for next year.
Also at Papakura, our Junior Boys’ Basketball team, consisting of Year 9 and 10 students, competed in their Northern Championships. They started with two great wins over Te Aroha and Hauraki Plains colleges. A narrow 2-point loss to Sacred Heart College followed. The team then defeated Tauranga Boys’ College by 15 points. A real team effort. Eventually, in the play-off match for 9/10th placing, we were beaten by Sancta Maria College. This team played with purpose and skill throughout the tournament. n Rob Taylor Director of Sport
11.2017
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