Director of Sport Paul Braddock How lucky were we that we were able to finish off all winter sport games and programs. It was looking a little unlikely towards the end of term two. All winter sporting codes started their season around the end of July, with most getting a ten week competition. All went well for the first six weeks and then round two of Covid came back to haunt us. The return of the Covid strain had meant that games could take place but with no spectators. This was easier said than done and the later we got into the term the harder it got to comply with the Government’s wishes. Our basketball teams had to be dropped off and only the coach, manager and team were allowed into the venue and only after the prior games had finished. Our Netball teams played on a Friday and Saturday with all parents and support excluded from inside the netball courts. Which meant all supporters were made to stay on the outside of the fenced off courts. Hockey was the same, with supporters made to stay on the outside of the fence surrounding the hockey turf. Rugby and football teams had it a little easier with supporters asked to either sign in or use the NZ Government’s QR scan and were made aware of contact distancing. This also brought out the best and worst in people with a few not so kind words spoken on occasions. The frustration of wanting to support all players 16
and not being able too, took its toll on a small few. In the end our students got to play the sport they love and finished with some great results. The Prem 1 netball team won their division with a 20 point winning margin in their final game. Rugby has made great strides this year and got pipped by a single point in their semi final. Our football girls have again shown great form being unbeaten this year with some great results. Both our Senior Hockey Boys and Girls teams have had a wonderful season with the girls team drawing in the final, yet losing on a shoot out. We have had our teachers involved in our winter rugby, netball, basketball and football teams this year, as well as our support staff being involved in rugby, hockey and basketball. Thank you to all that have coached and supported our teams. The unfortunate cancellation of most winter sport teams’ for winter tournament due to Covid saw a few regions scramble to put on something for our athletes over the normal tournament week. Hockey was the most fortunate one with a weeklong tournament hosted for them in the Hawkes Bay. Our Senior Girls were confident going into the tournament. Yet still needed to play some constructive and polished hockey if they were to make it into the finals. Our Prem 1 Netball team went to a small but very
