The Columba College First XI Football team played in the NZSS Girls Football Lotto Sportswear Tournament this week in Dunedin, and the team was absolutely brilliant across the four days of competition.

Winter Sports week has been in full force across the country this week, as hundreds of secondary school sports teams have participated in various sporting competitions throughout the regions. The Columba College First XI Football team took part in the NZ Secondary Schools Football tournament here in Dunedin, and the beautiful weather made for a magnificent few days of competition for our First XI team.

Starting first up on Monday with a game against Logan Park High School, Columba was outstanding on the artificial turf, highlighting how football is indeed the 'beautiful game' when played with such class and skill. A comprehensive 12-0 win to Columba to begin their tournament was a perfect way to get the fans on board for an exciting few days of competition.

Day two brought with it a couple of harder challenges with a game against Kapiti College in the morning resulting in a 1-1 draw after Columba dominated play and possession for much of the match. Middleton Grange School from Christchurch was next up, and Columba got their combinations flowing beautifully to take out this match in style, 13-1! Some golden boot action from many members of the team saw a comprehensive team victory leading into day three of the tournament.

Wakatipu High School was first up on Wednesday morning and Columba again showed their talent with classy combinations on the field winning the dual, 3-0. This meant semi-finals time for the Columba team, and a 3 pm matchup with Queens High School was booked for the artificial turf.

The Columba First XI came together with a magnificent display of teamwork, effort and talent, and had spectators buzzing with excitement as they took out the match against Queens 3-1 and booked a very well-deserved place for themselves in the grand final!

Thursday dawned with the sun shining yet again and Columba was up against Cashmere High School in the final of the NZSS Lotto Sportswear Tournament. Cashmere was certainly going to be a challenge, and the teams were well-matched as play began. An end-to-end battle followed and spectators were kept on the edge of their seats as a beautiful matchup of skill and sportswomanship ensued. Cashmere took a 1-0 lead in the first half and despite a strong performance by Columba, the equaliser never came and Cashmere took out the deserved title of SISS champs. Congratulations, Columba, on a very impressive tournament. We are extremely proud of you all!

Thank you to the coaching and management staff for your committed support and guidance of this superb team. Your input over the tournament and the 2022 season has been immense. Mikayla Gray, Maxi Baldoni, and Mr Andrew Moore - THANK you!