The North Men A volleyball team had a slow start to their Northern Zone League match against a powerful South Auckland unit at Otara Recreation Centre.
However, as the game wore on, North skipper Jason Woods said his side steadily improved and started playing quality volleyball.
"We were passing a lot better
and more accurately and we made some changes - we brought Justin Zapelli-Wilson on, and his passing and hitting really boosted the team," Woods said.
Zapelli-Wilson is an ex-Tikipunga High School student now living in Auckland studying sport science, but still plays for the North team.
Grant Hill also lives in Auckland, but is one of the veterans of the North side with 25 years experience of playing top level volleyball. Both players are assets to the team, Woods said.
Despite losing 3-1, the North Men were delighted to steal the third set off the South Auckland team who are ranked third in New Zealand.
"It is the first time we have ever taken a set off South Auckland, our team is really making strides," Woods said.
Meanwhile, the North B Men team also went down 3-0 to South Auckland, who were too strong and more experienced. However some were close and Tariki Manawaiti stood out for the North men, setting for the team for the first time.
The North Women's A side played a double-header on Saturday, up first against national champions Tauranga, followed by South Auckland women.
North lost both games 3-0, but did well without some key players.
North B Women lost to Tauranga B 3-0 and lost to South Auckland, 3-1.
This Saturday, all four North teams play Hamilton, at Kamo High School.
