8 September 2024
Finals day at the 2024 National Secondary Schools. The sun was out…sometimes, the vibes were high, and everything was on the line as schools battled it out for placings, pride, and for some, the ultimate prize.
GRAND FINAL: St Thomas of Canterbury College v De La Salle College
Final score: St Thomas of Canterbury College 24-18
St Thomas were looking to go back-to-back this year after claiming the 2023 title, and with only wins on the board throughout the tournament, including against De La Salle, the onus was on De La Salle to take it to them.
St Thomas came out the gates strong with a very early try. And with another two converted tries following before 10 minutes was up, the 18-0 scoreline started to look like a hard ask for De La Salle. But fight back they did with two converted tries in quick succession, one off a darting run up the field, tightening up the scoreline at 18-12 for half time.
The tries didn’t flow in the second half like the first, but De La Salle went close to tying things up with an attempt deemed held up before a forward pass being called on a behind the back pass right before the line. St Thomas gained the impetus after that, a penalty helping them down the park before they were able to spread it wide and cross the line. De La Salle were able to score once more but it wasn’t enough to hold out the defending champions, St Thomas crowned winners once again 24-18.
MVP Tournament – Bishop Neal , St Thomas of Canterbury College
MVP Final – Meihana Pauling, St Thomas of Canterbury College
MVP Coach – Andrew Auimatagi, St Thomas of Canterbury College
MVP Trainer – Michael Hartnett, Westlake Boys High School
Emerging Talent – Kaawyn Paterson, Westlake Boys High School
GRAND FINAL: Southern Cross Campus v Auckland Girls Grammar School
Final score: Southern Cross Campus 14-4
While Auckland Girls Grammar took out the title last year against Southern Cross Campus, Southern Cross got the jump on Auckland Grammar yesterday with a convincing win. So it was all up for grabs in the final.
Southern Cross started strong with early territory, but Auckland Girl’s defence was too strong holding up two surges over the line in quick succession. Third time was a charm though as Southern Cross were able to go over in the corner for the first try of the game.
Auckland Girls looked like responding quickly but errors proved costly, and it wasn’t long before Southern Cross were back down the park and in again in the same corner. 8-0 into half time and it was still all up for grabs.
Auckland Girls started the second half well, and even though they were held up twice they were able to get over in the corner to put the pressure on Southern Cross. But Southern Cross fought back, and although a try under the posts was called back for a penalty, a few minutes later they were back in, putting it beyond Auckland Girls’ reach and sealing the Championship 14-4.
MVP Tournament – Josinah filisi Tauiliili, Southern Cross Campus
MVP Final – Mele Kafusi, Southern Cross Campus
MVP Coach – Rod Ratu, Southern Cross Campus
MVP Trainer – Ralph Leafe, St Marys College
Emerging Talent – Makayla Graham, Tauranga Girls College
GRAND FINAL: Westlake Boys High School v James Cook High School
Final score: Westlake Boys High School 18-6
Both undefeated throughout the weekend, both Westlake Boys and James Cook High School were confident coming into the Championship final.
It was James Cook who started how they wanted to continue with a bustling run up the middle from the kickoff. And thanks to a lot of early possession, it wasn’t long before the pressure mounted on Westlake and James Cook were able to open the scores. Once Westlake got hold of the ball though, they too were able to capitalise, going in near the posts and levelling it up. Westlake then took the lead with seconds on the clock before half time, finishing off after a strong run down the wing. Half time score was 12-6.
It was a similar story in the second half with most of the game played in the Westlake half. James Cook plugged away but Westlake’s defence was too strong. Westlake didn’t make it up the other end of the field often, but when they did James Cook unfortunately lost the ball in goal and Westlake were able to pounce. From there, Westlake were able to absorb more pressure and hold on 18-6 to take the title.
BOWL FINAL: Wesley College 28 Howick College 4
PLATE FINAL: Western Heights High School 26 Onehunga High School 20
GRAND FINAL: St Pauls College v Southern Cross Campus
Final score: St Pauls College 14-0
St Pauls started the final strong with all the early territory and possession. While they were held up in their first attempt to go over the line, it didn’t take much longer for them to penetrate and open the scoring. After another near try in the corner, unfortunately called in touch, St Pauls recycled some quick ball to dot down under the posts, the first half ending 10-0.
Southern Cross Campus came into the second half needing to put some points on the board, and it was a stalemate for a while. However, St Pauls proved too good, scoring again after a Southern Cross knock on near their 20m line, the game ending 14-0.
MVP Tournament – Daniel Kali , St Pauls College
MVP Final – Siaosi Alatini, St Pauls College
MVP Coach – Junior Fiu, St Pauls College
MVP Trainer – Taisyn Williams, St Pauls College
Emerging Talent – Luke Cunningham, Rotorua Boys High School
For all results and final standings visit sporty.co.nz
