New Zealand Secondary Schools v School Sport Australia

It was a highly anticipated game for both New Zealand Secondary Schools and School Sport Australia as they both had a point to prove coming into today’s match.

New Zealand Secondary Schools had a disappointing loss to Aotearoa Maori this morning and needed the points to get closer to securing a spot in the finals tomorrow afternoon.

School Sport Australia on the other hand had not let a game slip in the competition and wanted to go into the finals on a winning streak.

AUT Akoranga Stadium was full of passionate fans from both side of the Tasman and it was hard to tell who was the crowd favourite.

In the first quarter, School Sport Australia came out fighting and quickly struck up a four goal lead as New Zealand Secondary Schools goal keep, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick tried to find a way to contain 1.92m tall School Sport Australia goal shoot Olivia Burnett. New Zealand pegged the score back with some strong team defensive work which lead to securing some valuable turnovers. The two centres, Natasha Hunkin (NZ) and Emily Chapple (AUS) were having a great tussle in the midcourt. New Zealand led going into the first quarter break 7-6.

The second quarter went goal for goal as both teams tried to gain an edge over their opponent. Sulu-Tone Fitzpatrick began to be dominant in the defensive circle, claiming many rebounds. School Sport Australia upped the defensive pressure in the midcourt with goal attack Sarah Main and goal defence Tara Cecil taking some beautiful intercepts. New Zealand Secondary Schools shooters, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Kayla Cullen began to combine well together creating plenty of space for the feeders. Half Time Score 14 – 14.

In the third quarter, New Zealand brought on Emma Weeninck at goal defence made an immediate impact causing the Australians to come up with some errors. New Zealand Secondary Schools took to the lead and with captain Sheridan Bignall leading by example and working hard around the circle edge at Wing Defence. New Zealand Secondary Schools were up 25 – 19 going into the last quarter.

In the final quarter School Sport Australia worked tirelessly to try and peg back the lead that New Zealand Secondary Schools had over them. The Australians fought to the end but came up short as the final score was 35 – 30 to New Zealand Secondary Schools.

New Zealand Secondary Schools Coach Adrienne Morrin was pleased that her team had the courage and determination to take the win especially coming off the back of their disappointing loss earlier in the day.

“They bounced back exceptionally well and I am very proud of them,” Morrin said, “I am relieved as we have now secured our spot in the final and I am sure it is going to be another great game like todays.”