The teams from Redwood School showcased their skills and dedication on the field and the court. Our Rugby team were placed 2nd in the competition. Well done!

Football, Hockey, Netball and Rugby

Personally, I witnessed the rugby team facing a significant defeat in the round-robin against St Albans School, only to play against the same team again in the final match. The game was incredibly intense for the first twenty minutes, keeping parents and even a teacher at the edge of their seats and checking their blood pressure! The boys gave their all, but luck was not on their side, resulting in a 5-10 defeat. Despite the disappointment, the boys displayed graciousness in accepting the loss.

A thank you goes out to the parents who supported the teams, whether by managing or coaching, or simply by being enthusiastic supporters on the sidelines.

Chris Thurlow

Josh and I went to the winter sport tournament with our team at Hagley Park to play rugby for Redwood School. We had to arrive at school at 8:20 to do the roll and then left on the bus to go to Hagley Park. We got off the bus and saw all of the schools warming up.

The first school we versed was Belfast. We started the game, and Belfast kicked off to us. The very first thing we did was pass to our biggest player, Harlem. He ran full speed at them and bowled them all over, and he scored our first try of the tournament. The game ended, and we won 35-0.

We made it into the finals winning two games and having a defeat to St Albans. We were quietly confident until we saw this massive kid; we were so nervous. We kicked off to them, and they passed it to their biggest player, but Chris stood his ground and crunched him in a tackle, and he got scared of us. They ended up scoring twice, and we thought it was the end until Josh broke the line, started celebrating, and then got smashed and knocked the ball on when he was 2 metres out. Later in the half, we got a scrum to us at the halfway line because St Albans knocked on. I put the ball into the scrum and then passed it to Josh, and then he passed it on to Harlem, and Harlem scored.

The end score was 10-5 to St Albans. It was disappointing to lose the final. We like to thank all the parents that came and supported the team.

Ollie P and Josh M

I played netball in the B team. Our first game was at 9:20 am, but the bus was running late, so the game started at about half-past.

We were beaten by Belfast and Paparoa Street. After having some food, it was time for our next game. We were defeated by the Redwood C team. After that, we had some more food before facing another team. All the games were competitive. Lastly, we played against Waimairi.

In my opinion, we improved with every game. After our last game, we watched the end of the A team’s match. I think I played well as an attacker and a defender. My favorite position is attack because you can score lots of goals.

Lily M

I woke up feeling nervous because my legs were sore, and I knew I had a football tournament ahead. I was worried about whether I would be able to compete, but I got ready and headed to school.

Upon arriving at school, I noticed that Josh was the only one there. As more people arrived, they seemed excited. Later, we boarded the bus and headed to Hagley Park. Once we reached the park, our team placed our bags on the grass next to the pitches. I was eagerly anticipating the first game.

In the first game, we played against another Redwood team, and the result was a tie. Fortunately, it wasn't the strongest Redwood team. Our best game during the tournament was when we scored two goals. Joy scored the first goal, followed immediately by Shaun's goal. I assisted Shaun in scoring his goal. Unfortunately, my team lost all of our games.

After all the matches, we played a football world cup game. Later, Matua Nick called us over to the hill where our bags were, and he called out everyone's names. Then, everyone boarded the bus. I felt tired after such an exhausting day.

Zak R

My hockey team went to Nunweek Park for a hockey tournament, and I went with my mum because there was no room in the van. At about 9:00 am, we met with the rest of the team, got our gear on, and went to the warm-up turf at the end of Turf 2.

Our first hockey game was at 9:50 am. The game started, and we were losing 5-0. That was so bad, but it was okay because it was our first game. Then it was the second half, and St Albans scored 5 more goals. At full time, it was 10-0.

Next, we started our second game 2 minutes later. In the first half, it was 3-0 in our favor. Then I went on in the second half and scored 3 goals. I felt so proud of myself. At the end, it was 6-0, and St Francis got a goal that was disallowed. After Miss Bonney submitted the scorecard to the tournament judge, it was time to have a drink before the third game of the tournament against Waimairi.

Now it's the start of the second game against Waimairi. Yay, we got a goal, and at half time, it was 2-2. Then we started again, and a girl from the other team was so good and got another goal, making it 3-2 in their favor. The whistle blew, and the third game ended. It was so close; I thought we would win, but it's okay. Hopefully, we'll win next time against Paparoa Street. We had a drink and got ready for our last game.

Now it's time for our last game. Mrs. Fletcher and the Paparoa Street coach are refereeing. The game started when Leroy passed down the line to me, and I scored a goal. I was so happy. Then they got a goal, making it 1-1. Now I wanted to get back up and start winning again, so I ran up the field with the ball, skillfully maneuvered their defense, and scored another goal. Yay! Then it was half time. I was off the field for the first little bit and then went on, and my team got some goals, including me, and the other team scored more goals as well. The final score was 6-4, and we beat the best team.

Ava L