Whangarei A's Phipi Te Pa (right) keeps his eye on the basket as he shoots, despite the attempted block by Rosehill's Aitolu Mose during Saturday's match at the Special Olympics Whangarei Basketball Ribbon Day. Rosehill went on to win the game in a tight encounter. More than 75 athletes from theupper North Island competed at the annual basketball tournament at Kensington Stadium in the one-day event. There were 11 teams competing in two divisions, including two teams from Whangarei, from as far south as Counties-Manukau. The Whangarei A team had a successful weekend finishing third in the A Division, and also third in the skills' section. The overall A division winner was Papakura. The B Division was won by Auckland B, with Whangarei finishing sixth in the division but improving one spot to finish fifth in the skills' section. Whangarei co-ordinater Andrew Langford said the Whangarei athletes always enjoyed playing in their own tournament. "It was great for them to have their supporters behind them, because they do travel away as well. Our next tournament for the A Grade team is in Auckland in three weeks," he said. After the final game, the teams were treated to an exhibition game between Whangarei's Filipino All Stars, who played a make-up team from the Northland Suns. "It was an unexpected surprise for the visiting teams. They were all very excited and I don't think anyone left until the game was over," Langford said.
