Monday 22 March saw the start of the 2021 Futsal Nationals in Wellington, with CGHS making our first ever appearance in the tournament.

In our first game we met Tauranga Girls’ High and managed to come away with a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Anna Sang, Freya Lodge Whitham and Darsha Keogan. Soon after we played our second pool game, facing Wellington Girls’ College, unfortunately losing 2-0. Our earlier victory however was enough to see us through to the round of 16, where we then faced Waikato Diocesan School for Girls. In this game, goals from Freya and Darsha were enough to secure victory and put us through to the top 8.

This setup a much-anticipated quarter final match for us against Rototuna High School, who the day before had eliminated Rangiora High School. After taking an early lead through a goal from Anna, CGHS defended solidly for the majority of the game. It wasn’t until the final 5 minutes that RHS scored a deflected shot followed by another quick goal, knocking us out of the tournament. This result left many of the girls heartbroken with the dream of a top 4 finish just out of reach. This was ultimately reflected in our final game of the day where we played off for 5th-8th position. We fell 4-1, our biggest defeat of the tournament, to a physical Napier Girls’ High School side, leaving us in 8th place.

Not only was this our last game of the tournament, but also the last time our seven year 13’s would take the court together. Although we didn’t come away with any silverware, the girls couldn't be prouder of the way we played and are still pretty chuffed being top 8 in the country!