Rathkeale dominates schools competition at rural games
Students from Rathkeale College demonstrated their rural prowess in winning the Clash of the Colleges competition at the New Zealand Rural Games.
Clash of the Colleges, hosted by Agri Futures and the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, put on a remarkable display of talent and teamwork among senior students from various schools.
The event, aimed at inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in the food and fibre industries, showcased skill, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.
Agri Futures general manager Daniel O'Regan said 240 students from 10 high schools, from New Plymouth to Taupō to Flaxmere and down to Wairarapa, attended the annual event on Friday, in Te Marae o Hine-The Square in Palmerston North. “Clash of the Colleges aims to foster enthusiasm and passion for the sectors that make up the food and fibre industry among the next generation, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.”
In the senior competition, Rathkeale College, near Masterton, finished first and second, with Palmerston North Boys’ High School third.
The first Rathkeale team was Campbell Bassett, Hamish Bunny, Billy Smith and James Joblin.
Rathkeale also won the junior grade, with Feilding High School second and third.In the winning Rathkeale team was Lachie Bassett, Digby Tatham, Harvey Williams and Louis Handyside.
Meanwhile, the Francis Douglas Memorial College team from New Plymouth won the gumboot throwing championships.
The team of Liam Green,Cooper Pene, Reece Omelvena and Vander Buijtendijk showed exceptional ability in winning.
Green stood out with an impressive throw of 34 meters, earning the title of the best individual thrower. Highlighting the importance of teamwork and spirit, Flaxmere High School's Team No 44 was awarded the Hato Hone St John first aid kit for exemplifying outstanding team spirit throughout the event.
In the North Island secondary school shearing championships on Saturday, Feilding High School were the overall winniners.
Boys’ High were second.
In the Feilding team were Lachie Cameron, Camden Bolton-Smith, Marshall Buckman and Abbey Grant.
Cameron won the individual quality shearer title.
Feilding’s Breena Ratima won the best wool handler.