Columba College Students had a strong presence in their age group New Zealand Touch Teams as they took part in the Youth Trans-Tasman Tri Series held over in Australia last week.

On the 21st January 5 Senior A Touch Players from our school boarded the plane to Newcastle achieving their goal of representing our country doing what they love. 

Debuting was Olivia Fowler (U18 Girls) currently beginning year 13 and Liv Preston (U18 Mixed) whom was our head girl last year. Not that you would have been able to tell these two were new to this level, they were absolutely outstanding and made significant impact to their respective sides. Liv Preston's U18 Mixed Team took out a 7-6 win over their Aussie rivals in game one which made for a thrilling game three. 

Maia Joseph also starting her final year at Columba and graduated class of 2019 student Brylee More were also members of the Under 18 Girls side. They have both been previously selected for U15 and U16 youth teams and taken part in Talent ID Academy Camps run by Touch New Zealand. Their team started the event slowly with nerves creeping causing a big first up scoreline, these two were crucial in turning the results around in the following games to come away with narrow losses.

Our Director of Sport, Miss Turnbull was the coach of the Under 20 Women's team which was boasted by last years Senior A Touch Captain, 2019 deputy head girl and winner of the Fergus ring for the best all-round student, Meg Sycamore. Leading from the front and connecting with 2018 ex Columba College pupil McKayler Moore to form a strong middle combination, she set up multiple tries for her team, helping to gain better results than ever before in this age grade.

On top of their impressive performances many accolades were gained off the field for our Columba College Students; Maia Joseph and Meg Sycamore were named co-captains of their respective sides with thoroughly deserved leadership roles. Meg was honoured with the prestigious flag bearer award for all her achievements within this sport. Only one male and one female are selected among the 96 athlete contingent, and we are beyond proud it was one of our doves - although not surprising when you hear her long list of accomplishments. Finally, Olivia Fowler was recognised as the Under 18 Girls Most Valuable Player but not only that, she was also awarded the overall female player of the series across all 6 teams, a huge privilege to receive and a testament to a hardworking, dedicated and passionate touch player. 

We are beyond proud of what these talented athletes have achieved and cannot wait to see what the future of Touch holds at Columba College. Trials will take place next week and no doubt we are in for yet another exciting season.