Our 1st IV girl’s rugby team has convincingly won the secondary school girls regional rugby final, beating James Cook High 26-5. What makes the win even more special is that after losing some key players thorugh injury during the season, the team who took on James Cook High and won are all relatively new, with only three team members who have played rugby before.
The two teams have come up against each other twice before during the season, with James Cook winning one game, and the teams drawing in the second. Manurewa were determined to win the final, and played some great rugby, with special mention going to standout players Michelle Sua with her strong penetrating carries, Devante Baice with her exceptional defence and line breaking carries, Ekrina Iose who dominated at ruck time and Telelina Crichton who dominated in both offensive and defensive lineouts.
Manurewa’s four try scorers were Matilda Emelio (Lock), Luisa Fonoia (winger), Lupeolo Maamaloa (halfback) and Michelle Sua (second five). Three successful conversions were made by first five Pauline Itielu.
Manurewa High School has dominated the season so far with the following results:
Game 1 vs Alfriston College. Won. 57 – 0
Game 2 vs Papakura High. Won 20 – 12
Game 3 vs Tuakau College. Won by default.
Game 4 vs Wesley / Pukekohe. Won 17 – 12
Game 5 vs James Cook. Lost 15 – 10
Game 6 vs Alfriston College. Won 62 – 0
Game 7 vs Papakura High. Won 37 – 0
Game 8 vs Tuakau College. Won 34 – 29
Game 9 vs Wesley / Pukekohe. Won 39 – 7
The team will now play the winner of the Thames Valley competition and winner of Waikato vs BoP to qualify for top four teams to play in the nationals. Several of the team are up for Counties Representative Selection.
The team is coached by Melina Martene, assisted by Leana Cvitanovich (ex MHS student and player), and co-managed by Donella McPherson and Maggie Silva. Their coach is full of praise for the team. “The girls have worked incredibly hard over the course of this season, from the first session where we had a bunch of kids who wanted to have a go but couldn’t catch a ball or didn’t know how to tackle, to a team that came together on and off the field who pushed tirelessly every training. They always kept the end result in the back of their minds when trainings became tougher and tougher – they deserved the win and it was an honour to support them in their efforts.”