Senior Quad Tournament

Netball:

With a new look and young team starting out on the Senior A netball scene, the team arrived bright eyed and bushy tailed for some good strong games against some classy competition. Having had only two games as a team together to date the girls were keen to make some good team connections and get combinations going. We added to the team for the day two Senior B team players, Jaiden Van Der Westhuizen and Lexus Prendergast, so they could experience some higher grade netball and provide extra cover for the main eight of Jeanette Manumanuniliwa, Mareika Geerts, Caitlin Barnett, Alishia King, Paige Robertson, Kate Inwood, Honor Barnett and Caitlin White.

The first game against Mt Hutt College gave us a taste of what was expected throughout the day and although a loss ensued the team kept up the positivity and made some good in-roads during the second half. Afterwards, recognition was made as to what could be improved on in the second game against a classy top grade Darfield team.

As expected another tough game played out against Darfield but Ellesmere rose to the occasion and played with more flow and patience remaining in contact for a good part of the game with solid performances by all and nice intercepts and rebounds from Jeanette and Mareika and shooting by Honor and Caitlin White. The middies also combined well to see Paige, Kate, Alishia and Caitlin driving forward and setting up nicely for the shooters. Smiling and happy faces came off the court knowing they had put in a good effort and definitely improved from the first game.

The last game against Geraldine pulled in the lunchtime school crowd and the girls were keen to put in an even better performance - which they did. Each player was executing their improvement areas with enthusiasm which resulted in the additional players demonstrating some excellent lean guarding from Jaiden and holding for space by Lexus.

The whole team really enjoyed the opportunity to get the season started and make the most of playing several games on end to improve combinations. Thanks to everyone who made the day possible including Jen Barnett for umpiring and Carey Barnett for coaching and managing.

Football:

In our first game it was all about just learning about our team mates and adjusting to the pace of the game against a very strong Mt Hutt side who took an early lead about some quick, consecutive goals. This did take us by surprise and by half time it really was too late.

Having said that- the team pulled together and really improved in the second half. and put up a better fight. The team then played really well against a weaker Darfield HS side. The team started getting some good combinations going with some brilliant passing and build ups although shots were going far and wide. It wasn’t until the second half that we started to find the back of the net and secured the match 3-0.

Game three after lunch was probably the pick of all our games over the Quad tournament day and it was a tightly fought tussle that ended up as a very good 2-1 win against a flustered home side Geraldine.

Joe Geerts proved a handy finisher with two good goals from the penalty spot which were well finished. It was awesome to have four Year 10s form the Junior XI step up and represent the school, at a senior quad. A great contribution from all that played- namely, Mav, Josh, Sam and Cooper.

Thanks to coach Mr O’Connell for leading the team on the day and doing refereeing. Well done to JC for his leadership on and off the field as teak captain for the day.

Rugby:

A chilly start meant the boys struggled to warm up and that came through in the opening game against a well-organised and in-sync Mount Hutt side. They scored a lot of points, eventually taking an easy win. Our minimal bench was immediately tested with Jade Fea suffering a cut above the eye that needed stitches. After a break and a chance to warm up with the day, our boys put in a much-improved performance with Byron Stephens and Lukas Taiaroa combining well for the opening try. A topsy turvy game set in with our boys eventually prevailing in a 33-17 win. Unfortunately, injury struck again, this time to a Geraldine player, who had very kindly offered to help us with our playing numbers, suffering what appeared to be a serious ankle injury. Alas, we played on this time borrowing a couple of Mount Hutt players for our final game against Geraldine. This was a high-scoring affair that could easily have gone either way, but unfortunately, the hosts’ depth proved the difference. A 53-38 loss for us. Overall a great day out with our boys digging deep and playing huge minutes. Byron Stephens and Blake Webster in particular, as they never had a minute on the sideline.