This year, we sent five teams across the North Island to participate in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Winter Tournament Leagues. The First XI Girls Hockey team and the First XI Boys Football team ventured to Whangarei, while our Junior Boys Football team competed in Tauranga. The First XI Girls Football team traveled to Taupo, and the Netball Girls stayed local, playing at the Te Pai Courts.
Throughout the week, our teams faced challenging opponents, but they held their ground, embodying the spirit of our school and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship.
Hockey Girls
The girls encountered tough competition, and although they didn’t achieve the results they had hoped for, they focused on building their team bond and making the most of every moment, both on and off the field. Their positive attitudes fostered a supportive atmosphere, allowing them to enjoy the experience despite the obstacles.
Netball
The initial days of the tournament were particularly challenging for the Netball girls, as their performance during this phase determined their placement in the top or bottom 16. Rising to the occasion, they delivered an impressive performance that secured them a spot in the top 16. As the tournament progressed, the stakes grew higher, with each team vying for a place in the top eight. Ultimately, the girls finished in 15th place, a commendable achievement among 32 competing teams. Selectors were on the sidelines, scouting for standout players, and we are thrilled to announce that Dyllan Fakalata was selected for the tournament team. This recognition is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her. Congratulations, Dyllan, for being a key player throughout the tournament!
1st XI Girls Football
Our First XI Girls Football team made a significant impact at the tournament, competing against some of the top teams from the North Island. Many of their matches were decided in intense penalty shootouts, with the girls giving their all on the field. Although they were disappointed to narrowly miss a top four finish after a hard-fought shootout, they can take great pride in securing an impressive 5th place overall.
Junior Boys Football
Our Junior Boys Football team, featuring several young players, faced a tough draw in the tournament. Despite the challenges, they persevered and consistently pushed themselves in every match. They gained valuable skills and experiences that will benefit both their individual growth and team development. Each player should be proud of their contributions and the remarkable progress they've made together.
1st XI Boys Football
The First XI Boys had a fantastic tournament, finishing 9th out of 32 teams. They achieved four wins, two draws, and only two losses. The squad comprised skilled players, with several participating in what would be their final tournament for the school. Their experience and leadership were evident throughout the competition.
We would like to take a moment to thank the parents for their incredible support during the tournaments. Your encouragement and enthusiasm created a positive environment for our students. A special shout-out goes to the dedicated staff members who accompanied the teams—your commitment was vital to their success!
Lastly, we want to recognize and express our gratitude to our Year 13 students who represented the college in their final tournament. Your dedication to your teams over the years has been invaluable. We are immensely proud of all you have achieved and grateful for your contributions. As you move forward, we wish you all the best. Here is a list of students who will be leaving us:
Lucy Ellis
Eden Hickman
Tiana Poliko
Timon Boyack
Jack Connolly
Franklin Davis- Barr
Kaia Diallo
Vito Kacurov
Callum Vye
