The Senior A Netball team travelled to Porirua in the second week of the holidays to compete in the Netball New Zealand National Secondary Schools tournament.

We finished 3rd at South Island Secondary Schools in early September, qualifying us to take on the best netballers throughout the country at the national tournament. 

On Day 1, we played Napier Girls' (ranked 5th in lower North Islands), winning 45-28, and then later in the evening we played a highly considered Manukura team (ranked 1st in lower North Islands) and won 27-21. A successful first day secured our place in the Top 8. This was an awesome achievement as South Island teams have typically struggled to place in the Top 8. 

Day 2 was the last game of pool play. Facing a sharp Avondale side, we went down 38-34. Our afternoon game was against tournament winners Hamilton Girls'. This was an incredibly physical battle but we managed to hold our heads high after a defeat 29-17.  

Day 3 was a crucial day against St Kentigern's and Howick. Unfortunately, we lost to St Kent's in the morning who were then beaten by Howick, leaving us with a lot of pressure on the afternoon game. After a good win against Howick, 30-28, they unfortunately still gained the bonus point which placed us at 4th in our Top 8 pool. 

On the final day, with just one game, we took on Trident. We were point-for-point in the final quarter, putting a lot of pressure on the crucial moments and, unfortunately, we went down with seconds to go. 

The tournament was so much fun consisting of a lot of laughs, good netball, and great people. We would like to thank Kaye Sycamore, Megan Graamans, and Lauren Piebenga for the time, energy and fun you have put into this team throughout the season. We appreciate everything you have done for us and couldn’t ask for a better crew. We would also like to thank ex-student, Bella Lau, and her newly opened gym, BFT Dunedin, for her generous sponsorship. To the girls: you are amazing and have done so well. 2022: you have been an awesome year. 

A special acknowledgment goes to Emilie Nicholson who went on to New Zealand Secondary Schools netball camp during Labour Weekend! We are very proud of you.