Otago Boys’ High School were represented by a junior and senior team at this year’s championships. A fast developing sport, the quality of teams participating was high and there were no easy games as there have sometimes been at previous tournaments. The quality of the local sides was particularly evident, with many featuring in the higher placings in both the senior and junior competitions.

The senior team, who made it through to the 3rd/4th playoff last year, had high expectations returning with an experienced squad. Unfortunately, the closure of airports and travel disruptions meant that the early rounds of games were played with only six players (five playing on court) and no specialist goal-keeper. This took its toll, as once having reached the knock-out stages, the team struggled for energy against the larger and more recovered squads of their opponents. The play-off game against Hutt International (who went on to finish 3rd) was the most disappointing, going down by a single goal. The team finished a respectable 13th out of 37 teams. Captain, Jacob Alderson, and Kasam Ali scoring 9 goals each during the tournament. Kasam Ali, with his devastating left foot and deft touch under pressure was one to really impress.

The junior team had little futsal experience, apart from playing in the local Dunedin schools’ competition, and took a while to adapt to the structured play of their opponents. They were placed in a very competitive pool which included St Pats College (overall winners) and Shirley Boys’ HS (4th overall). Having missed out on progressing to the last 16, the team showed what they were capable of, winning all of their games in the play-offs. Yun Chang shone as the tournament progressed, scoring 11 goals and being named an MVP of the championships.

Thank you to the parents who travelled through to Wellington and those who offered support through texts etc.

Junior results:

2 - 5 v St Pats College

2 - 4 v Mt Roskill College

2 - 6 v Shirley Boys' High School

7 - 1 v Taradale High School

3 - 5 v Rathkeale College

5 - 1 v Mt Roskill College

7 - 2 v Lincoln High School

6 - 2 v Scots College

14th out of 23 teams

Senior results

4 - 3 v Selwyn College

12 - 0 v St Pauls College

8 - 2 v Horowhenua College

2 - 3 v Rathkeale College

1 - 2 v Hutt International Boys' School

4 - 5 v Lincoln High School

6 - 0 v Hillcrest High School

13th out of 37 teams