National Touch Preparation Tournament

The Senior A touch team travelled to Christchurch, to gain valuable experience playing other girls' teams, in the build-up to the 2020 NZSS Championships in December. Rangi Ruru were sensational hosts, providing a comfortable setting allowing us to achieve our tour goals. In the absence of captain Savannah Cleland, Jaide Dixon lead the team through our three matches.

Game 1 was against Christchurch Girls High. Leading 2-1 at half time was a solid start, but the opposition gave us the ultimate challenge scoring four unanswered tries in the second half. The result was a major surprise, but provided many learnings for the coaching staff and players alike. St Hilda's 2 - 5 Christchurch Girls.

Game 2 was a game against host Rangi Ruru. Coach Hanlin Johnstone changed the warmup and this had immediate effect. A comfortable 10 - 5 victory with Ruby Williams and Brooke McAlwee both adding tries through an undefendable dive.

Game 3 was against St Margarets and St Hilda's were clinical throughout the match, winning 10 - 2.

We must acknowledge all four schools. It was a huge effort from staff and students alike to organise and play touch on a Saturday. Each of the teams were missing influential players, but the standard of play remained high and the spirit with which the matches were played was sensational.
The schools are keen to continue this collaboration and provide further development opportunities for both Senior A and Year 9/10 students from 2021. Mr Bradfield went the extra mile and built excellent foundations, as teacher in charge of touch last weekend.