NORMANDALE EXCHANGE

FOOTBALL

The Maungaraki Year 5/6 football team, led by captain Tom Dutton, headed to Normandale School for this year’s highly anticipated challenge match. The boys started strong, with Tom scoring the opener from a Brody Milburn cutback, followed by Layne Hennig's brilliant finish from a corner. Brody added a third before halftime, securing a 3-0 lead.

Normandale came back fighting in the second half, narrowing the score to 3-2. A deflected shot from Tom made it 4-2, but Normandale continued to press, bringing the score to 4-3. A penalty awarded to Maungaraki allowed Tom to extend the lead to 5-3, but Normandale quickly responded with another goal, making it 5-4. In the final moments, Brody's cross to Tom sealed the game with a stunning finish, securing a 6-4 victory. The team demonstrated our HEART values throughout the afternoon, especially

This win marks our second consecutive triumph for Maungaraki, and we couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations to the boys, Tom Dutton, Brody Milburn, Layne Hennig, Daniel Le Roux, Liam Morris, Hadleigh Anderson, Hunter Komarkowski,  August Scoble, Josh Weir, Eli Perez-Peleti, Izaäk Ton, Leo Dittmer and Akira Imazu. Special thanks to our parents and sideline support, shout out to Fletcher Anderson who was a fantastic assistant coach for the afternoon. We look forward to next year’s showdown!

NETBALL

It was an incredibly windy day when the Normandale Year 5 & 6 netball team made the journey over the hill to our kura. Each team warmed up energetically on the turf before the umpires checked nails and jewellery. The Majestics had been playing together all season and started strong. Andrew scored the first of the goals for Maungaraki, not an easy feat when the wind was blowing the netball out of your hands as you shoot. The crowd went wild and the cheers managed to be heard over the roar of the wind. Normandale was quick to come back scoring two goals in succession. Quarter time couldn't come quick enough as coaches gave advice  and subs were made. Normandale went on to score more goals as the defence of Maungaraki tried to hold steady.

Alas it was not the Majestic's day. Normandale were the winners when the whistle blew for full time. Outstanding sportsmanship was shown by both schools. Normandale headed home with the trophy and Maungaraki left determined to try again next year. Thanks to the umpires, supporters and coaches of both teams for making this event possible.