Timaru 2019

Rangi Ruru Football 2019 began with unprecedented interest. At the beginning of the winter season, some 53 students expressed an interest in being part of this code of sport and the majority arrived at trials. As is often the case, life for some became complicated and other activities took priority, resulting in our girls compiling both 1st and 2nd XIs and a more social 3rd XI. After a local competition which saw much progress, great play and commitment, 16 students left for Timaru, well prepared to defend their 5th placing at the same Gary Sowden tournament last year.

After completing two games on Day 1, and a third on Day 2, we were delighted to find ourselves top of our pool. An 11 – 0 win over Wainuiomata from Wellington left us all rather euphoric. While it was obviously a culmination of excellent coaching, good listening and growing confidence, perhaps some credit ought to go to the presence of Dr Sandra Hastie, who stood proudly cheering our girls on. Her presence and words of personal experience were much appreciated, and she was witness to the structure, passion and developing ability with which our girls play. Weather perfect, results great, we headed back to base to plan for battle for Day 3.

Life is a great teacher and sport an excellent leveler. Against some difficult odds, Wednesday did not quite go according to our script and in the blink of an eye, we found ourselves playing off for 7th and 8th, on a grey and somber Thursday morning. The determination with which the girls approached the final outing for our three Year 13 players and the teams last outing for the year, was evident from the kick - off. Positivity, self-belief and trust in one another was rewarded with a 2 – 1 victory over Marlborough Girls’ College, allowing us to leave on a win and with a strong sense of pride; look out "2020”.

It was an enormous pleasure to be associated with such a wonderful group of beautifully mannered, mature and fun group of girls. They were superb ambassadors for our school, as noted by a café owner who remarked how unusual it was to have teenagers say “thank you” as they left his premises. On and off the field, they presented as a happy, united and bonded team.

A knowledgeable and generous coach is such a gift and we certainly found all of that and more in Glen Senior. Thank you, Glen, for giving us of your time and expertise, your humour and wonderful communications. Guess there may have been times when the girls didn’t think you were so funny, but I certainly got a few quiet chuckles watching them submit to your driving instructions. The results certainly justified the means!! Can’t forget you Tim Allan. Standing in for Glen in his absence and bringing the team home for their first win of the season was definitely quite a moment.

To the parents; at one stage I think I counted over 20 parents on the Timaru sidelines. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to be with us. Your cheering words and uplifting comments were very much appreciated by those out chasing the ball and by those of us doing likewise from behind lines and ever reducing fingernails. Tis a hard watch at times! We were so grateful to have the Mums and Dads who were able to stay over and assist in kitchen duties and more. What a team! Surely no complaints about the catering! Quite superb. For all the support, transporting, collecting and providing of uniforms and nutrition, thank you. We couldn’t do it without you.

A final word to our girls: “Play for the team on the jersey and the name on the back will be remembered.” None of you will be forgotten.

Signing off for 2019, we leave on a high; resilient, reset goals, wiser, grateful and totally committed to pursuing success next year. Go mana wahine.