Well done to all our Northland teams represented. Congratulations to Sash Stosic and his staff from Upper Central for organising a great event!
News just in as we go to press… 5 Northland players made the AIMS Game tournament team. From Kaitaia Intermediate – Rihari Pomare and Memphis Ngaruhe. From Whangarei Intermediate – Dylan Brown, Paul Turner and Dorian Hati.
Whangarei Intermediate who were defending Champions got so close only to be beaten in a Golden Point extra time thriller! Whangarei defeated Kaitaia Intermediate 24- 0 in their semi final to come against the gigantic Southern Cross in the final. With the scores locked at 20 ALL after the final whistle Southern Cross managed to drop a goal to win 21 – 20.
Kaitaia Intermediate – also in the their second year at the AIMS games Kaitaia were the major improvers this year. Last year they didn’t win a game. But this year they almost went all the way until they faced Whangarei Intermediate in the Semi Finals. Kaitaia finished 4th place after losing to Rakaumanga 12 – 0 in the 3/4th playoff.
Joe Rau said of Kaitaia and Whangarei Intermediates. “They are probably two of the smallest schools represented but two of the more skilled teams. Both have represented Northland well!”
Whangaroa College – Only a small school in Kaeo who have never played league before! With a couple of late injuries they struggled to get a full team to travel to the tournament. “For our boys its about the experience of going to a tournament like this.” Marty Le Roy, Sports Coordinator said. They didn’t win a game, but they competed well in every game.
