A great season for all PNBHS canoe polo teams.

Finals for the Secondary Schools Canoe Polo Manawatu competition were held this week at the Freyberg Community Pool. The PNBHS 3 team played off for 5th place, PNBHS Senior A, Junior A and Senior B, all played for 1st place in their respective grades.

The PNBHS 3 team in division three won their final game comfortably (9:5) against Feilding High School Teina. This resulted in the team claiming 5th place in the competition. It is hoped that these young players will continue to develop their skills and enjoy playing the sport.

PNBHS Junior A (PNBHS 1) and PNBHS Senior B (PNBHS 2) played off for 1st place in division two. Although the Junior A team dominated the first 5 minutes of the game, the senior B team through sheer determination, clawed their way back to finish the first half down by only one goal (5:4). The start of the second half was no different with the goals alternating between the teams. With three minutes to go the juniors found ‘second gear’, increasing their score through quick passing to win the game 9:6.

The last game of night on Tuesday was reserved for the 1st division final. PNBHS senior A against Feilding High School Senior A. With Damon Dickons scoring a goal within the first 19 seconds, the PNBHS team were off to a good start. PNBHS dominated the first five minutes with a barrage of shots at goal but unfortunately none converted. Feilding High school continued to fight back, driving for the ball and taking any opportunity to disrupt the play of the game. Their continuous determination saw the score shift to 1 all with three minutes remaining in the first half. With alternating possession of the ball, the score at the end of the first half reflected shot accuracy. Five unconverted shots saw the PNBHS fall behind Feilding High School with a half time score of 3:1.

The second half was no different. Again the possession alternated between teams with both teams having numerous shot on goal. Unfortunately PNBHS could not convert enough into goals, which resulted in the final score being a 5:2 win to Feilding High School.

Final Results:

PNBHS (senior A) – 2nd in Division One

PNBHS 1 (junior A) – 1st in Division Two

PNBHS 2 (senior B) – 2nd in Division Two

PNBHS 3 – 5th in Division Three

A special thank you must go to the outside coaches who freely give up their own spare time to coach our teams. They are Harry Dickons, Paul Dickons and Troy Huffman-Devy. Also to our sponsor; Matt Perry from Thermo King.

Canoe Polo continues until the end of the year. Two teams are heading off to the National Secondary Competition in Hawkes Bay in the last week of the upcoming school holidays. Social PNBHS Canoe Polo starts up in term four on a Thursday night from 7:30 – 9pm. This is open to any students; no experience needed or equipment needed and is at no cost. Registrations are now open for this competition through the Canoe Polo Page on Stratus.