Rangikura netballers develop special bond
You couldn’t miss the Rangikura girls arriving at the court each day.
The school’s netball team performed with distinction at the recent Aims Games in Tauranga, winning eight of their 11 games to finish 18th of 96 teams.
On each of the five days, the girls would march on to the court singing a chant.
It certainly turned heads, coach Ine Faleafaga said.
Rangikura were given the team spirit award as a result.
The Rangikura team are Porirua Junior A champions and confirmed their status in the five pool matches in Tauranga, going through unbeaten.
They found the going tougher in the second round, however.
The team said they enjoyed playing under pressure and matched up well against some of the bigger and faster teams.
The experience of travelling and playing in a tournament brought them closer together.
‘‘ We really encouraged each other and we had a special bond,’’ Paris Va said.
Brandon Intermediate’s girls sevens team, meanwhile, won bronze at the Aims Games.
They lost out to eventual winners Wesley Intermediate 17-14 at the semifinal stage.
Brandon’s Anastasia Sirila was selected for the Aims sevens tournament team.
Captain Lise Lafaele had nothing but praise for her team.
‘‘We really want to thank Mr Gibson, Nikki, Tracy and Jonny, all our parents and everyone who helped with our teams fundraising for making it possible to travel and compete,’’ she said.
The week- long Aims Games involved 17 sports and about 7500 intermediate pupils from all around New Zealand took part.