2013 Auckland Secondary Schools Ultimate Championship
On 7th April Mt Roskill Grammar hosted the 2013 Auckland Secondary Schools Ultimate Championship tournament. Eight boys teams and four girls teams came out to battle for the title of “Auckland’s Best School Ultimate Team”. As hoped, it turned out to be a close competition among the top teams and a great experience for some of the newer up-and-coming teams.
Boys Division
It was great to see both the regulars and new comers at the tournament. Whangarei rounded up their best school players to represent their region. Helen Germann put in a lot of work at Mt Roskill Grammar over the past several weeks which resulted in them entering not one, but two boys teams. Onewhero also returned for the second year. The rest of the field were made up of regulars Westlake Boys High School, Northcote College, Auckland Grammar School, and a Green Bay High/Takapuna Grammar combination. Westlake, Northcote, and AGS all separated themselves from the competition, but the top four also included a surprise in the form of Onewhero. After many close games during the day it was these four that earned spots in the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals Northcote continued their great form of the day against unbeaten Westlake by taking the opening points, and going into half 6-5 down. From here though, Westlake found the form that have led them to be unbeaten all season and took the game to set up the Auckland Grammar v Westlake final. Onewhero went on to upset Northcote College for a well-earned 3rd place.
In a repeat of last year’s final it was Westlake Boys High vs. Auckland Grammar. Not only were these teams battling for 1st place and school pride but the players in each of these teams make up the majority of the U19 regional squads that will be playing in the New Zealand Under 19 National Championships on 13/14 April in Taupo. The winner of this game would be sure to carry the mental edge into the national championships.
With all the other games finished, the support on the sideline for the final was huge. Both teams started out converting their offense points but just before half, Westlake defense converted as well, taking half up by one. After half, Westlake stepped up further, showing the experience that they have in depths with big plays all through the second half to close out the game 8-4. Auckland Grammar took home the coveted Spirit Award recognising excellent Spirit of the Game – one of Ultimate’s founding principals. Most Valuable Player went to first-time player Karan from Mt Roskill Grammar School.
Placing
1st Westlake 1
2nd Auckland Grammar School
3rd Onewhero District Area School
4th Northcote College
5th Whangarei
6th Green Bay / Takapuna Grammar
7th Mt Roskill Grammar 2
8th Mt Roskill Grammar 1
MVP winner
Koran (Mt Roskill Grammar)
Spirit Winner
Auckland Grammar School
Girls Division:
For the first time, a dedicated girls division got off the gorund at the Auckland Secondary Schools Championships with four girls teams entered – Northcote College, Takapuna Grammar School, Baradene College and a combined Mt Roskill Grammar/Whangarei team. Northcote were looking for redemption after placing 2nd in the Auckland Schools League but it was Takapuna Grammar who started stronger on the day. They pulled out the win over Northcote in pool play and also accounted for the other two teams. Northcote regrouped and were determined to overcome the setback, battling back to earn a spot in the final and another shot at Takapuna Grammar. Going in to the final, the season’s results were Northcote win, tie, Takapuna win, so the teams couldn’t be any closer. Northcote took the early lead but slowly Takapuna Grammar came back. The hooter went with Northcote leading 5-4 to give them the win and the Championship. All of the teams improved tremendously over the day and the players had a great time. Baradene College were awarded the Spirit Prize and Rachel of Baradene was awared Most Valuable Player for the girls division.
Thanks to all who participated and helped out on the day!
Placing
1st Northcote College
2nd Takapuna Grammar School
3rd Baradene College
4th Mt Roskill Grammar / Whangarei
MVP winner
Rachel (Baradene College)
Spirit Winner
Baradene College