NZSSRL Tournament Report

You could have been forgiven for thinking the result of the emerging schools final was already decided as, the compere at the NZSSRL awards wished Rotorua BHS good luck for the following mornings final. A spirited second half comeback nearly ruined the script, but our boys couldn't quite reel in the 24 point half time lead Rotorua BHS had built up. The coaching staff is proud as of the heart and grit these fine young men have displayed both on and off the field this week, a true credit to their families and assets to the college. Heads held high and a great learning experience for the players in their first outing at the prestigious national tournament. Bigger and better things will happen next year now that the foundations have been laid for future teams. Well done men!

Prior to kick off in the Main final there was a moments silence to acknowledge the passing of Kiwi Legend Mel Cooke. This was appreciatted by our players and staff as many of us are past or present players for Mel's club Hornby.

Results  win 28-22 Whangarei BHS, win 42-18 over Northcote College,Loss 22-16 Howick, Semifinal: Win James Cook HS 32-28 (extra time) Emerging Schools Final loss 24-18 Rotorua BHS

None of this would have been possible without our major sponsors Pak n Save and Nga Maata Waka, Mr Tyler, or the generosity of the Hornby Working Mens Club, Riccarton Rotary, Brian Roughan, Paul Ruri, Kev's Garage Door Service, Darryn Fuller, BJ Chetham, Michael Johnstone and many others. Mr Hart and Lucky Smythe for helping transport boys around Auckland and supplying us with delicious Nippy drinks!

Trade Me Fundraiser for the NZSSRL Tourney in Auckland

As part of our fundraising for the trip to the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Nationals in Auckland this September, we are selling some collectibles on Trademe, including a Canterbury Bulls Jersey, a signed warriors football, a 2013 NRL rookie camp tshirt and a QRL trainers polo top. Travel away to tournaments is always expensive, and it is a stretch for some of our boys to make it, so please bid on these items and check our listings for updates!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=624943647

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=624940599

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=624942651

 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=624949840

NZLeague Magazine covers St. Thomas - Aranui match!

The latest issue of NZLeague has a short article covering our play off match with Aranui!

2013 New Zealand Secondary School Rugby League Nationals attendance form

2013 New Zealand

Secondary School

Rugby League Nationals

St Thomas of Canterbury have been confirmed as the South island entry in the Developing schools section at the NZSSRL National tournament in Auckland from September 

2^nd to the 6^th.

If you would like to be part of this team please confirm by signing this form and returning it to 

Mr Kidd by: Friday the 7^th June.

We will be taking a squad of 22 players so it is important you return this form as soon as possible to be considered for the team.

Trainings will be organised so as not to conflict with any 1^st XV responsibilities

 I would like to go to NZSSRL National Tournament in Auckland, September 2-6th.

Name: ________________________________

Signature: ___________________________

I give my son permission to attend the NZSSRL National Tournament in Auckland, September 2-6^th.

Name: ________________________________

Signature:______________________________

Confirmation of entry to NZSSRL National Tournament

St.Thomas' have been confirmed as the South Island school in the developing schools division at the National secondary schools Rugby League Tournament. Aranui High school will compete in the Premier grade, and Southland Boys High school have been given a wild card entry.

We will play a series of games against Aranui, and one against Greymouth High School to ensure match fitness, knowledge of the rules and conditions and to meld the different clubs players and rugby boys into a team capable of success at this tourney.

South Island Secondary Schools Elimination Final - Aranui High School versus St. Thomas of Canterbury College

In a tight tussle for the South Island spot in the Premier grade of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Nationals, Aranui High School hung on to beat St. Thomas of Canterbury College 20-14.
Aranui scored early, sucking the Saints’ defence into the middle, and then spreading it wide to stroll across unopposed for their first try. Aranui crossed again to take an 8 nil lead. After gaining some big yards through Gaius Reweti, a sweeping back line move had James Gillies across in the corner for St. Thomas. Tom Reekie’s conversion made the score 8-6.
Some very solid defence kept the game in the balance until Aranui’s tactic of running at the smaller players in the St Thomas defensive line created a hole and their number 12 sprinted 50 metres to score taking Aranui High’s lead out to 12-6 where it would stay until halftime.
Two tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half rocked St. Thomas as Aranui’s lead ballooned out to 20-6 and a crushing victory looked on the cards for the more experienced eastern suburbs side. A canny substitution by coach Andrew Auimatagi saw Klayton Waikato take charge of the Saints offense, and some big runs and quick plays by Antonio Toleafoa saw the balance change dramatically in St. Thomas favour. First Ben Motuliu crossed in the corner, and after sustained pressure he scored again, bringing St Thomas within 6 points of Aranui, setting up a tense final 5 minutes.
A tired Aranui side held on playing some tight football to run the clock down and achieve a deserved victory. Saint Thomas players can hold their head high, having tackled and run with heart and will improve immeasurably with every game they play.