History has been made this year as the Columba College Senior A Netball team capped off a phenomenal season of competition with a top 4 finish at the NZ Secondary Schools National Netball Champs in Auckland. This is the best ever result achieved at this tournament by any Otago School team and an achievement that is definitely worth celebrating!

On Monday 2nd October the Senior A Netball Team flew to Auckland for the National Secondary School Netball Tournament. The wild and windy weather caused a few disruptions, and unfortunately Emilie and Millie’s flight from Queenstown was cancelled. After several changes to the plan, and a drive to Christchurch, the pair were able to join the rest of the team in Auckland on Tuesday morning after a big effort to get there. Fortunately, Netball New Zealand agreed to a later scheduled start time for Columba, which enabled all players to be available for their first game. 

Game One was a match up against St Kentigern’s (Auckland) and it was a tough and physical battle. Definitely an introduction to how the North Island teams play Netball! Columba was in the contest initially, but ultimately fell off the pace and lost 25-36. The second game was against Tawa College (Wellington) and the Columba team was determined to control the game and play their own style of netball, securing a strong 36-25 win. 

On day two, players woke refreshed and ready for the challenge of making the top 8 out of 16 teams. The first game was against Villa Maria, a team that Columba had beaten at the South Island Secondary School tournament, however Columba knew well that Villa Maria was very capable of disrupting their flow. Columba once again stuck to the game plan and came away with a 37-32 win.  With this result, a very happy and relieved team reached their first goal which was matching the team's 2022 result by reaching the top 8! Qualifying second in the pool meant that Columba did have some tough opposition to play however. 

The first game in Top 8 saw Columba up against a very talented Avondale side (who were also the eventual 2023 winners). It was a tough battle, and the teams were tied at every quarter, resulting in a lot of pressure heading in the final quarter. Columba took an early lead but Avondale fought back into the game and it was all tied up going into the last three minutes. Unfortunately the game slipped away from Columba and, after a courageous effort, the team lost 41-34. They were heartened by their play, but disappointed with the loss.

On Thursday the competition did not get any easier, beginning with a game against the Upper North Island Secondary School 2023 winners Howick College - a very tall and talented opposition. Columba was extremely focussed and stuck to the desired game plan, taking the lead early and controlling the game until the final whistle. Applying full court defensive pressure, and great agility, Emillie and Holly picked up some superb intercepts. Combined with smart and controlled attacking moves through the midcourt, and some great feeds into the circle shooters who finished with accuracy, Columba fought to a 27-23 win. A fantastic result that lead to a spring in the step of the team as they faced the 2022 champions, Hamilton Girls High School. Once again with hard work and smart play Columba achieved an impressive 29 - 22 win, and an amazing result to secure a place in the Top 4 in New Zealand. 

The final day of competition featured a play off game for third and fourth, and another mighty challenge against the Lower North Island Secondary School Champions from Wellington, St Mary’s College. Also proving to be the final game for our talented Year 13 players Emilie, Holly, Millie, Neve, Maddisyn and Brenna. Spurred on by determination and emotion, this exceptional Columba team fought hard and gave it their all, however they unfortunately could not conquer another big and physical North Island team. While Columba did not quite finish the way they wanted to with a win, the team is extremely proud of what has been achieved this year. An amazing result for a group of athletes who have worked hard on and off the court all season.

Columba was extremely fortunate to have a large contingent of parents and supporters by their side in Auckland and throughout the season. We are very grateful to all those who battled the weather and flight restrictions to join us and support our time right to the end. The team is also very grateful to all those who have supported us in our fundraising efforts via our coaching day, sausage sizzle and ‘Got your Back’ t-shirts. Without the support from so many we would not have been able to make this possible.

We are very proud of our Columba team and the phenomenal results they have achieved this year. Winning SISS is a first for Columba College and being placed 4th Nationally is the best ever result for any Otago school. The team also gained the NetballSmart prize for good NetballSmart practices throughout the week.

Thank you and well done to all those who have been involved. Particular thanks needs to go to Kaye Sycamore, team manager, for giving up her time to seamlessly manage the team at the National competition and for providing amazing support throughout the week. Of course thanks also needs to go to Jodine MacKenzie, for her management and support throughout the regular season and to Angela Spek for managing the South Island Netball Tournament. 

2023, what a year!

Otago SS Champions ~ SISS Champions ~ Annual Winter Quad Tournament Winners ~ STAC Interschool Exchange Winners ~ Dunedin Premier A Grade Netball Finalists ~ NZ National SS Netball Champs (Top 4). Phenomenal.