It has been another great year for Rugby at Avonside Girls' High School.

Burnside is where the local CRFU Miles Toyota Cup School Competition is played every Wednesday. The girls displayed some top-class skills, with only one loss during the season! Our speed on attack and determination on defence were consistent throughout the season. 

Narrowly winning the semi-final, we were relieved and pumped to take on our arch-rivals, Christchurch Girls', in the grand final. This would be a repeat of the grand final from two years prior. 

Finals day, we’re fizzing and ready to get out there on the big stage at Ngā Puni Wai. Our dressing room was filled with motivating whānau and friends’ photos on our lockers, the music was hype, and the girls were all positive and pumped! 

Unfortunately, this year was not our year. However, the score didn’t reflect the effort and hard work we displayed on the field against a strong skilled opposing team. Our team demonstrated grit and resilience and put on an absolute show, performing right till the end, proving to the crowd that we deserved to be in the grand finale. It has been an absolute honour to play alongside each team member, who have all become friends on and off the field. We have all learnt life lessons along the way. Heading into next year we have a solid bunch of girls returning, so next season will be another exciting one. Watch this space! 

A massive thank you to all our coaches, managers, parents, and teachers for their help this season. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. BJ Rakena, our head coach went above and beyond ensuring our team had everything they needed, making this season one to remember! To the girls, I’m so proud of each and every one of you. Everyone put in the hard mahi at trainings and showing respect, on and off the field, is why we all did so well throughout the season. It’s been a year to remember. I loved watching everyone improve throughout the season and express their talents.