Columba College Senior A Touch Team claimed second place at the South Island Secondary School Championships held in Christchurch over the weekend.

Our silver medalists were a real standout team throughout the entire weekend. Setting the benchmark with the most tries scored (43) and least conceded (8) across six games, this group dominated the field.

Winning their semifinal 8-1 against a classy Rangi Ruru side, it was a local showdown between Columba and St Hilda's in the final. After winning the annual Summer Quad tournament and the Otago Championship event against their rivals recently, Columba certainly had a target on their back. St Hilda's came out firing and played incredibly well to come out victorious in a well-fought match. The way our Columba team conducted themselves was a testament to the athletes they are and they can hold their heads high knowing they made their families, our school, and themselves proud. 

The lessons we learn in sports are one of a kind - they teach our students resilience and build character as the team was very gracious in defeat. The group will now set its sights on the National tournament, held in Rotorua later this year.

Well done, doves are flying!