SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY
Talented youngsters create history Back to back to back has a nice ring to it doesn’t it! After a visit from stand out All Black Beauden Barrett, the Bayfield primary school rugby side defended the inner city primary schools championship to create history by becoming the first side to win the coveted Bryan Williams trophy for the third time. Coach James Graham said he “Was impressed at his side's ability to handle pressure and execute their game plan. It was great to see the players working hard for each other and they were very proud to represent their school." After a hard fought 8-0 victory over Ponsonby in round one and then 6-1 over Pt Chevalier in the second round, Bayfield continued its dominance with a 7-0 victory over Westmere and 8-1 over Marist. That set up a tough showdown with St Francis in the final, but thanks to spirited efforts from the likes of Maia Bennett (top tackler and only girl in the team, who having never played the game featured in her first rugby tournament), Alex Reid (captain and prop, great runs up the middle), Taylor Jordan (top try scorer) and Jack Saunders (ran the game well from first 5) helped retain the trophy with a nail biting 4-3 victory. The team also included: Max Johnson, Henry McPherson, Ben Blake-Howling, Joe Szusterman, Max De-Witte, Charlie Ashford, Ashton Smith, Sam Baird, Sasha Holloway, Jack Goldspink, Louis Parker-Campbell, Jamie Robertson Well done Bayfield and the 13 other schools that participated. Bayfield now goes on to play the three other best schools in Auckland in the champions of champions tournament. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN
SPECIAL PRIZES TO BE WON AT CLUB’S OPEN DAY Pompallier Lawn Tennis Club opens for its 51st season on Sunday September the 18th and everyone who comes to Open Day goes in the draw to win tickets to the women’s and men’s ASB Classic in January 2017. Juniors start at 11am with some fun drills and activities. At 12 noon join us for a barbecue on the deck and enjoy sausages from Westmere Butchers washed down with wine and beer from our long-time sponsors Negociants NZ - importers of Champagne Bollinger. Pompallier is believed to be the only tennis club in the Southern Hemisphere that is sponsored by Champagne Bollinger and everyone who comes along to open day gets a chance to win a bottle. After the barbecue, we have senior play from 1pm with organised games and an exhibition match from some of our top players. Add some spring sunshine and you have the makings for a great Sunday family outing. No matter what your tennis level is, we can accommodate you with lessons for all ages and stages, as well as regular social play on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Coach Tracey O’Connor will assess you and make sure you are matched with the right coach for your best tennis experience. If you want to know more - go to our website or call our friendly club manager, Stacey, on 09 376 5689. We look forward to welcoming new members to the most desirable tennis club in Auckland City. F PN POMPALLIER LAWN TENNIS CLUB, 11 Green Street, T: 09 376 5689, www.pompalliertennis.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016
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