The RLN Inaugural Secondary Schools girls “Lightning League” festival was played at Lindvart park, Kaikohe on the 13 August, and it was a huge success, with five colleges participating; Okaihau College, Northland College, Te Kura Kaupapa O Kaikohe, Taipa Area School and Te Kura Hourua Ki Whangaruru.
Rugby League is well known for its links with women as they have an annual Women in League round in the NRL. However, in Northland there are currently no opportunities for girls to play League once they are eligible for U13s (they can play mixed with boys up to and including U12s).
It is hoped that the Inaugural Lightning League tournament will be the start of a new movement for Rugby League and women in Northland. RLN Development Officer, Benson Selwyn, praised the commitment and attitude of the all the girls involved, “ They loved it, they enjoyed the contact and the free flowing nature of the League. If the smiles on the faces of the girls is anything to go by then I reckon we will see more girls playing.”
The day was about giving the girls a fun and new experience, however there was still a winner on the day, with Okaihau College going undefeated and taking the top honours, with Northland College runners up and Te Kura Kaupapa O Kaikohe in third place. Congratulations to both Taipa Area School and Te Kura Hourua Ki Whangaruru for their gutsy effort on the day.
Okaihau College were coached by fellow students Stevie Ray Haenga–Albert and Demrys Croft who learned their coaching skills via Rugby League Northland’s Leadership through League Program.
It is hoped that the 2015 Tournament will be bigger and better with Kaitaia College and Bay of Islands unable to field teams due to teacher unavailability. Added to this was the absence of any of the southern based schools. Keep an eye for the next edition of Lightning League.
