From 24-26 March, the team of Annabelle Paddison (Captain), Abby Jacob, Gabby Entwistle, Zoe Martin, Sophia Pinkney, Layla Urquhart and Eva Dawber competed in the NZ Secondary Schools Canoe Polo Championships held in Hawkes Bay.

The team had students ranging from Year 9 to Year 13, and this year was about building capability and experience in the team.

We got off to a slow start on Friday with a heavy loss to Napier Girls' High School. The next game was even tougher against Havelock North High School, the eventual winners of the tournament, but the team played better together, although still experiencing a heavy loss.

Our best game of the tournament came early on Day 2 against Karamu, another team like us that was rebuilding and there for the experience. It was a closely fought battle throughout, with Girls’ High eventually running out 2-1 winners. This was eventually the same team we played in the playoff for 6th and 7th, with an identical scoreline and result.

All in all, a tough weekend in terms of results, but with many of the players returning next year, there is opportunity for the team to grow and improve in the future. Big thanks to all the parents who supported their daughters, to Cameron Gemmell who gave up his time to come over and coach and referee for the weekend, and to Kate Blincoe who has helped Cameron with the coaching this season.