Junior TAG Auckland Champs

Our Junior Girls’ and Boys’ TAG teams showcased exceptional skill and composure throughout the season, culminating in a stellar performance at the Auckland Championships, following their strong qualification from the Norwest Zones tournament.

The road to the Auckland Champs was nail-biting for our Junior Boys.

At the Norwest Zones competition, the boys faced a challenge when their coach couldn’t attend. Stepping up magnificently was Year 12 student and senior team player Chase Kirkland, who took the helm, providing excellent leadership and guidance. Their qualification hinged on the final game against Westlake Boys, where the tension was palpable. With seconds left on the clock, Nate Kirkland secured a dramatic try just before the hooter, earning the boys their ticket to the Auckland Finals.

While at the Auckland Champs, the competition proved incredibly tight. The boys finished with an outstanding record of two wins and one loss, including an impressive 3-0 victory over the eventual champions, De La Salle College.

Despite achieving a superior points differential and conceding the fewest tries in their pool, the team narrowly missed the semi-finals due to a technicality in the updated competition rules, which prioritised the team scoring the most tries. The boys can hold their heads high, finishing a very credible 5th in Auckland which is an excellent result against the region’s top talent!

The Junior Girls’ team played consistently well throughout the season, guided expertly by the coaching and managing duo of Joe Patuki and Sarah Fruen.

At Auckland Champs, the girls delivered a determined performance, finishing second in their pool. This led to a tough semi-final draw against the highly fancied and favourites Auckland Girls Grammar. Our team played with immense heart, narrowly losing 1-3.

However, the team showed true grit and determination in the Bronze Medal playoff, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against Massey High School as the only team they had previously lost to in pool play. This time, our Rangitoto girls rose to the occasion, dominating the game with a fantastic 4-2 victory to secure the Bronze Medal!

Congratulations to all players and coaches on a successful and memorable TAG campaign!