What an amazing experience for the players and myself to be part of the 2022 AIMS Games. While 3 years with no AIMS Games had happened due to COVID, we were finally able to travel down and compete in the AIMS Rugby 7s boys 2022 tournament held at Blake Park in Mt Maunganui, with a total of 38 Intermediate teams competing nationwide. The skill level was high and it is safe to say the talent around the country was of a very high standard. The WIS team was made up of 12 players, 7 year 8’s and 5 year 7's. We had 2 changes to the travelling squad late in the week leading up to AIMS through injury, 2 boys came into the team with only a few team trainings with the squad before departure. The attitude, energy, behaviour and overall mindset of the boys were incredible. The way in which they listened, worked hard on the field, had each other’s backs and played as a team was something truly special. WIS played a total of 10 games in the tournament, spread over 5 days, backing up game after game through a mixture of wet weather, cold days, dry weather and hot days. The mindset of the boys, so early in their footy careers was top draw, with little to no fuss made regardless of what challenge was put in front of them. Day 1 consisted of pool play fixtures with a total of 3 games for WIS. One of the few teams to play 3 games on the first day. We accounted for hosts Mount Maunganui first up, followed by a very tight match vs Francis Douglas Memorial College (10-5 loss). The final pool game on day 1 was late in the day. We came up against a Northcross Intermediate (North Shore) who took advantage of our mistakes and came away with a comfortable win. With a 1 win 2 loss recorded on the first day, it could have got the boys down knowing a tough/uncertain week was ahead. To the boys' credit, their resilience, positive mindset and work rate helped them bounce back in the morning on day 2 with a profound win vs Saint Helliers Intermediate. WIS required Mount Maunganui to beat Francis Douglas in the last pool game, which would see us play off in the cup quarters section. This was not meant to be with Francis Douglas taking a close 19-15 win. What followed really defined the attitude and resilience of our boys. They knew within themselves that one below-par performance was the difference between a chance to compete for a medal and was not prepared to let this get the better of them. Some excellent 7s and patient 7s were played, Incorporating all of the factors which make a competitive team, such as attacking shape, communication, individual and team attitude, a lot of heart and mana, but most importantly trusting their defence. We finished going undefeated for the remainder of the tournament with 7 wins on the bounce, including a shield final Win over Kaitaia Intermediate.
It was an outstanding final, and one that I know the boys from both teams will remember for many years. It was a pleasure to go up against Kaitaia. Te Tai Tokerau was certainly represented to a high level and both teams would have been deserving winners of the Trophy. Thank you to all the players, whanau, teams and supporters for a truly enjoyable, fun and rewarding week. A special mention to Brett Yakas (Manager) for his efforts prior to and throughout the week. It was a pleasure to have you on board Brett . To my boys: Ka pai nga rangatahi, he pai ki te whakangungu I a koutou, I mahi koutou, whanau me te kura. “ Well done young men, it was a pleasure to coach you, you did yourselves, whanau and school proud. “ Full WIS fixtures and results are below: WIS 24 Mount Maunganui 20WIS 5 Francis Douglas 10WIS 0 Northcross Intermediate 43WIS 48 Saint Helliers 0WIS 31 Mahurangi College 17WIS 19 Fairfield Intermediate 5WIS 27 Papamoa College 0 WIS 19 Howick Intermediate 0 (Shield Quarterfinal) WIS 21 Chisnallwood Intermediate 15 (Shield Semi)WIS 28 Kaitaia Intermediate 21 (Shield Final)