2011 Finalists Continue Where They Left Off

2011 Finalists Continue Where They Left Off

After an horrendous start to the day with gale force winds blowing horizontal rain across the fields, the teams made their way to Bruce Pulman Park from a Powhiri at Papakura High School arriving just as the clouds cleared and the tournament was played, if not in brilliant sunshine, then at least in tolerable conditions for most.

Defending champions Otahuhu College had the toughest start to the tournament as their field was the slowest to drain, but despite this and as a consequence, a number of first half handling errors, they adjusted best to the conditions and won their first match against the Wellington based Taita College team 28 – 10. It was an impressive first outing and there were a number of NRL scouts watching their game, no doubt on the lookout for the next Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

St Paul’s College who had held the title a record seven times in a row going into the 2011 tournament final also sent a clear message to the competition, beating Whangarei Boys High School in a hard fought match 30 points to 4.

Mt Albert Grammar made a positive start to their campaign beating neighbouring Mt Roskill Grammar 12 – 4, while Papakura High School & Howick College were the only teams who couldn’t be separated finishing with a 14 all draw.

There were only two big scorelines, both in the Developing Schools division with Auckland Grammar defeating the visitors from the far South, Central Southland College 54 - nil and Tamaki College making life difficult for Fraser High School and winning 60 – 0.

It was great to see increased interest in the tournament from all quarters with a number of media, NRL accredited player agents, and familiar league faces like Sir Peter Leitch and Ray Haffenden all there on the first day. No doubt the crowds will increase as the week goes on and the weather improves, but for a first day it was an excellent turnout with some great rugby league played and all the players, their schools and their families should be very proud.
Day One
Premiership Schools
Otahuhu College 28 v Taita College 10
Aorere College 4 v Papatoetoe High School 8
St Paul's College 30 v Whangarei Boys High School 4
Manurewa High School 32 v James Cook High School 10
Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 20 v Aranui High School 4
Mount Albert Grammar School 12 v Mount Roskill Grammar School 4
Tokoroa High School 14 v Tangaroa College 8
Kelston Boys High School 22 v Southern Cross Campus 12
Developing Schools

Papakura High 14 v Howick College 14
St John's College 28 v Kamo High 4
Auckland Grammar School 54 v Central Southland College 0
Fraser High School 0 v Tamaki College 60

Scores will be updated on-line daily, for the draw and a quick summary visit the website here. For detailed results and reports please visit the National Secondary Schools Fixtures/Results page.
ends

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