Secondary school tournaments a fantastic success

After six days of play at the National Secondary School Tournaments around the country, the action was highly competitive across the board with nearly 5000 students competing

In the Rankin Cup, held at North Harbour,  tournament favourites Westlake Boys defeated St Andrew’s College in a penalty shoot-out (3-1) after a nail-biting 0-0 game in normal time. Westlake came into the final undefeated for 2022 while St Andrew’s were the clear number two coming into Rankin, meaning that the large crowd were in for a treat.

While there weren’t any goals scored, it was end to end action with St Andrew’s holding their own against the best secondary school team in the country. But it was Westlake who created more chances and, while unable to convert, ran out the deserved winners for the first time since 2015.

Jonty Elmes, of Napier Boy’s High School, led the scoring at Rankin with an astonishing 21 goals.

The India Shield saw current holders, St Bede’s, take on Wairarapa College who appeared in the final after faltering at the semi-final stage in 2019 (the last time the shield was played for).

Wairarapa were the stronger of the two sides in the first half scoring twice to take the lead at the break. St Bede’s came storming back but were only able to bring it back within one with 10 minutes to spare. Wairarapa soaked up the pressure in the final quarter to hold on for the win.

Down in the Hawke’s Bay we were treated to another tense final in the Federation Cup as Christchurch’s top secondary schools battled it out. Christchurch Girl’s High School opened the scoring over St Margaret’s. St Margaret’s didn’t let this phase them sneaking one past the CGHS defence following a great run from top scorer Emelia Surridge (17 goals). 

Both teams exchanged corners in the dying stages but were unable to convert leading to another shootout with CGHS prevailing 3-1 over their neighbours.

The Marie Fry Trophy ended up in the hands of St Paul’s Collegiate School who took a 1-0 win over King’s College. St Paul’s opened the scoring late in the first half and proved resolute in holding onto their lead.

Up in Pukekohe the Mayhill Cup was won by the locals, Pukekohe High School, defeating Rotorua Boy’s 1-0. PHS scored the only goal in the 57th minute.

Palmerston North hosted the Founders Cup this year. Levin Combined and Heretaunga College played off for the cup with Levin winning 2-0

The Johnson Cup, being held in Christchurch, was won 5-2 by Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata who ran rampant over Ashburton College.

In Pukekohe, the Chica Gilmer Trophy was won by Carmel College who scored with their only shot at goal to snatch a 1-0 victory of Rangitoto College.

The Jenny Hair Cup was hosted in Palmerston North this year with Taradale High School taking a late 1-0 victory over Mount Maunganui College. 

The Audrey Timlin Memorial tournament in Christchurch was won by St Hilda’s Collegiate School who played a 4-1 win over Malborough Girl’s College.

Over in Gisborne the final of the Rosemary O’Brien Cup was decided in a penalty shoot-out after Te Puke High School and Trident High School finding themselves locked 1-1 at the end of normal time with Te Puke taking a 4-3 win in the shoot-out.

Stratford hosted the Eveline Hankers Memorial with Takapuna Grammar losing out 1-2 against Onslow College.

The Chris Arthur Cup in Taupo saw St Margaret’s take out neighbours Rangi Ruru Girls School 4-2.

Down in Blenheim the Galletly Cup was won by Westlake Boy’s High School who took out Timaru Boy’s High School 4-2.

The Jenny McDonald Cup, hosted in Nelson, has gone to Kristin School who dispatched Marian College 4-0 in the final. While the Coaches Cup saw two locals play it out with Nelson College losing an absolute thriller against Waimea College – the scores level 4-4 at full time after a back and forth game, Waimea prevailed in the shootout winning 4-3.

The Kate Trolove Cup in Carterton was won convincingly by Katikati College who beat Samuel Marsden 3-2. The Woolaston Trophy was taken by Feilding High School with a 5-0 victory over Scots College.

And finally the Olympic Stick was another one decided by a shootout with Cambridge High School and Orewa College deadlocked at 3-3 in Hamilton. CHS won the shootout 2-1.

For full results and scores please click here.