Congratulations to our Bayside Junior Girls who recently traveled over Spring Break to New Zealand to compete in the North Island High School Sevens Championships
The tour left for NZ on March 17, with a full schedule of rugby and cultural experiences lined up.
The team consisted of 13 players, 9 from EMS, 1 from Elgin and 3 from the Abbotsford area. Players from Oakleigh Grammar were also supposed to participate but could not make it at the last moment.
Upon arrival, the girls were straight into action with a two hour training run to get the cobwebs out after the long 14 hour journey. Following this was a dinner at the Ponsonby Rugby Club- home to many current and past All Blacks and Black Ferns.
After a couple days of activities, the team was given the opportunity to train with the Auckland Rugby Academy. The coaches rated the girls very highly – an 8/10!
Friday night under the lights at Eden park to watch the Blues Vs Highlanders in a Super Rugby match. Great experience!!
The team then shifted their base of operations to the Bay of Plenty. Along the way many more cultural experiences were taken in. Once in Mount Maunganui it was time to get to Business.. First thing was to train with the current Black Ferns 7’s coach along with some of his players. This was an absolute privilege and thrill for the girls! They got to meet their heros and see first hand the pursuit of excellence.
Tournament day arrives…Nervous tension in the air!
Day 1
Game 1 Vs Cambridge College – Win 22-0
Game 2 Vs John Paul College – Win 41-0
Game 3 Vs Outumotei College – Win 37-5
Day 2
Semi-Final: Vs Inglewood – Win 35-0
Final: Vs Trident College – Win 25-5
Two player named to the tournament team as selected by Black Ferns players and Coaches; Robyn Alexander and Madi Makara
The team was led by Rachel Smith , who as always set the tone on how they would play! Every girl did the community and their club/ schools proud.
Team Roster:
Rachel Smith
Robyn Alexander
Niki Duchesne
Callie Foreman
Katie Des Lauriers
Amelia Statnyk
Alisha Jeys -Morrison
Mia Bullock
Sadie Gluvic
Molly Shellard
Madi Makara
Cassie Hull
Kira Peary
Coaches:
Glen Sharpe
Darcy Patterson
Manager:
Heather Sharpe
