St Paul's Re-take the Title
The curtain came down today on a very busy and successful 2012 National Secondary Schools Rugby League tournament. And
the tournament finished in style, with Auckland Grammar taking out the Developing Schools final in a tough extra time
encounter against local tournament host school Papakura High. In the Premiership Schools final, last years winners
Otahuhu faced off against St Paul’s, a school which until last year’s golden point loss had practically owned the title
and they were able to once again make it their own.
Earlier in the day matches were played to find the winners of the Cup – Papatoetoe High School, Plate – Tokoroa High
School and Bowl – Tangaroa College. Then after a play off for third and fourth between Sir Edmund Hillary College and
Kelston Boys High School, won by Sir Edmund Hillary 28 – 20 the number one field cleared in preparation for the first
major final of the day.
Auckland Grammar and Papakura High School lined up in the tunnel before making their way onto the field for the National
Anthem sung by NZRL staff member Carmen Taplin. They each followed with rousing haka before the game got underway. It
was an exciting match played in front of a large crowd of supporters which in the end came down to the final moments
when Papakura attempted a drop goal only to miss. With the scores tied at 12 all, it was, as with last years Premiership
final, time to find the golden point winner.
Papakura had Auckland Grammar pinned on their line and attempted a drop goal which missed, hitting the upright and
bouncing back into their hands. Papakura then spun the ball wide to the wing attempting to capitalize on the moment of
confusion, with a player crossing the line in the corner. Unfortunately their celebrations were premature, the referee
had not awarded the try and they were called back for a forward pass.
The crowd were understandably tense as they waited to see what would happen next and within moments Grammar were down
the other end of the field where they were awarded a penalty which was kicked by No 6. Renata Roberts-Tenana and it was
Grammars turn to celebrate their close fought win 14 – 12.
Auckland Grammar 14: Tries Joshua Minhinnick, Tevesi Tuinauvai, William Finaulahi; Penalty Renata Roberts-Tenana
Papakura High School 12: Tries Josh Harris (2); Conversions: Arthur Crichton (2)
Papakura were extremely gracious in defeat, singing their team song ‘If You’re Happy and You Know it’ for the benefit of
their many supporters and being thanked in turn with a haka.
Auckland Grammar supporters were understandably thrilled with their win, the school is well known for their rugby
prowess and with this first up rugby league tournament final win, they can now start building their own league dynasty
as well.
By the time the grand final kicked off the crowd was huge, with people standing rows deep to watch this battle of the
heavy weights. St Paul’s had the wind behind them, and to use a well worn expression it quickly became apparent that
they had come to play. St Paul’s scored first and lead from there, although Otahuhu scored a try to take the score to 6
– 4 early in the first half they simply couldn’t keep up with St Paul’s forwards and St Paul’s also made full use of the
strong wind at their backs. The second half was quiet with St Paul’s scoring once to take it to 24 – 4 but Otahuhu
unable to make any real headway against the bigger and more experienced side which pushed them backwards in both attack
and defense.
St Paul’s had massive sideline support and there was no doubting that the win meant a lot to them when the final hooter
went. When they went on stage to accept their award they too were recognised by their supporters with a haka.
Winner of the Jim Doyle Player of the Day, Premiership Final - Toafofoa Sipley
St Paul’s 24: Tries Pharoah Tumupu (2), Scott Tofa-Timoteo, Toafofoa Sipley, Koki Godinet Conversions: Tupou Tapuaiga
Otahuhu 4: Try Kalolo Saitaua
Two tournament awards were also presented on the final day with the Bill Sharp Golden Boot, for most successful kicks
during the tournament presented to Renata Roberts-Tenana, Auckland Grammar and the Watties Most Valuable Player of the
Tournament going to the very popular Michael Ki of Papatoetoe High School.
It's been a very busy week for all the teams, with five days of back to back rugby league interspersed with off field
activities including a Leadership workshop, visits to local Primary schools and the Warriors facilities, position
specific coaching clincs and more. With a tent village providing entertainment before, during and after matches, Bruce
Pulman Park has been an exciting place to be for players and fans alike and feedback from the players, their parents,
teachers and team management has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to seeing everyone back there in 2013.
To see details of all the finals visit the website here.
Finals Results - FridayPremiership SchoolsChampsOtahuhu College 4vSt Paul's College 24ChampsAuckland Grammar 14vPapakura High School 12CupPapatoetoe 24vManurewa 22CupMt Albert Grammar 18vSouthern Cross 26PlateTaita College 14vTokoroa 26PlateMt Roskill Grammar 20vWhangarei High 14BowlAranui 0vTangaroa 58BowlAorere 28vJames Cook 32Developing SchoolsPoints PlaySir Edmund Hillary 28vKelston Boys High 20Points PlayFraser High 22vCentral Southland College 30Points PlaySt John's 14vTamaki College 26Points PlayHowick 34vKamo High 12
ENDS