‘We’re back in the top four’

‘‘The school, staff and parents are so proud of the team.’’

Roscommon School are back in rippa rugby’s top ranks.

The Counties Manukau champions came fourth at the national rippa rugby championships in Wellington last Tuesday beaten by fellow South Aucklanders, Holy Cross Primary (Papatoetoe) 25-20 in the shootout for third and fourth. It was a satisfying finish for the former champions who were knocked out in the quarterfinals last year.

‘‘We’re back in the top four,’’ associate principal, Christina Patea says.

‘‘The school, staff and parents are so proud of the team and their making the quarter-final of the national tournament. They’d didn’t have it easy and that they got as far as they did is a testament to the character of the team and a tribute to their coaches Samani Pese and Koteka Cuthers.’’

Patea says the team’s struggles began as early as the playoffs to find Counties Manukau’s representative.

‘‘We lost to Pukekohe North Primary in our first pool game, won our second game, qualified second for semi final against Weymouth Primary whom we beat in golden point before getting up to beat Pukekohe North 35-25 in the final. It wasn’t the easiest of rides.’’

Patea says the biggest thrill was beating Manawatu 35-15 in the quarter-finals.

‘‘That felt like a final for us. Manawatu knocked us out in the quarter-final last year. The players were aware of this and really put together a great performance to avenge the loss.’’

Roscommon went on to loss their semi final 30-10 to Te Wharau School (Poverty Bay) and the bronze medal playoff to Holy Cross. Rippa Rugby is a fun, safe non-contact form of the game for primary schools. Teams are made up of five boys and five girls between the ages of nine and 10. More than 200 players from 20 schools representing their respective provincial unions played in this year’s tournament.

Kaatana Brown (captain), Hinalei Graham, Nortia Silva, Sinapati Siueva, Faith Alu, Adama Johnson (captain), Pati Fuipua-Tiatia, Filifaiesea Lemoa, Fabricious Mamea, Benjamin AmosaVaavaai.

The team:

v Brightwater School (Tasman) 40-35; v Maungataou School (Bay of Plenty) 20-20; Grey Main School (West Coast) 35-20; Oakura School (Taranaki) 35-30; v College Street Normal School (Manawatu) 25-15 (quarter final); v (Poverty Bay) 30-10 (semi final); v Holy Cross (Auckland) 20-25 (bronze medal playoff).

Scoreboard: