Super Eight 7s Tournament Report

After the tournament being played for the past two years in Rotorua, two PNBHS teams travelled to Gisborne on Friday, 1 November to play in the Super Eight 7s tournament. The tournament was played over two days with three pool games on Saturday, 2 November and the two final games on Sunday, 3 November.

The two PNBHS teams (one Junior team and one Senior team) stayed on the Pakowhai Marae in Patutahi, located outside of Gisborne. The boys really showed school spirit by taking great care of the Marae, as well as connecting and playing together. This spirit was awesome to witness. We would like to thank the Pakowhai Marae and hapū Te Whānau a Kai for allowing us to stay and use their facilities.

On the field, our Junior team discovered for the first time the expectations required when attending a 7s tournament. The Junior team won their first game against Gisborne Boys' High School but lost against Hamilton Boys' High School and Tauranga Boys' College. Lessons were learned about the quick paced game and resistance needed to play this Olympic sport.

The Senior team secured a place in semi final with two wins against Hastings Boys' High School and New Plymouth Boys' High School, and a loss against Hamilton Boys' High School.

On the second day of the tournament, the Junior team only played one game due to Napier Boys' High School not attending. The Juniors were playing for 5th or 6th place against Gisborne Boys' High School. The first half was a solid one, but our consistency fell down in the second half. Unfortunately, the Junior team lost by two points and finished in 6th place.

The Senior team lost their final two games against Tauranga Boys' College in the semi final and against Rotorua Boys' High School in the 3rd and 4th play-off.

This tournament provided some positive feedback for both teams as they build for the upcoming national tournaments to be held in the Bay of Plenty during week 7 of this term.