Te Puke High rugby sides reach finals
ARUGBY
fter a Covid-19 interrupted season, Te Puke High School’s boys and girls’ rugby teams produced some positive performances. The first XV boys were rebuilding this season, with a lot of under-16 boys in the squad.
They competed in the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Division Two competition, gaining a lot from the experience and growing as a team, producing many positive performances along the way.
A special mention goes out to the Year 13 students, especially Takabwebwe Kabuati for making the BOP under-18 rep team.
The under-18 girls’ 10-a-side team had a fantastic season, making it all the way to the final against Mount Maunganui College.
The girls played with pride and competed well but missed out on top honours.
A big shout out goes to Year 13 student Kiriana Heyblom for her service to girls’ rugby over the last five years.
Also, congratulations to Kiriana and Ha¯rata Heyblom for being selected for the BOP under-18 rep team.
Taylor Kingi was named in the BOP under-16 rep squad, and Harper Koce, Jahna Anaru-emery and Makayla Webber made the BOP under-16 Wasps reps squad.
The under-14 boys’ rugby team had a stellar season, making it all the way to the BOP Secondary Schools under14 premiership final.
The boys played some positive and competitive rugby, but Rotorua Boys’ High School got the better of them on the day.
The boys have shown great commitment and a positive attitude all season, playing some amazing rugby and ending the season ranked second in their Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools competition.
A massive thanks must go to all the coaches and management staff for volunteering their time and services to make rugby happen for both girls and boys.
Without their dedication and commitment, the boys and girls would not have progressed.
Finally a massive shout out to sponsor Seeka for subsidising fees to allow students to play rugby.
If anyone in the community is keen to help coach or manage teams next year, they can email simon. lockwood@tepuke.school.nz.