Four primary schools descended upon Arnold Rae Park in Kaitaia last Wednesday to take part in the final week of the Kaitaia Mini/ Mod After-School competition.
The second year the event has been held, and organised by Rugby League Northland, event spokesperson Benson Selwyn noted four teams representing Kaitaia Primary, Pukemiro, Paparore and Oturu teams - made up students from Years 4, 5 and 6 - took part each Wednesday over the past two months. He said the students as well as their schools, parents and supporters had all really enjoyed being a part of the concept.
"The games were hard and fast, with all teams giving their best efforts. Kaitaia and Pukemiro were the two teams battling it out for supremacy at the top, while Paparore and Oturu - the smaller teams of the four schools involved - kept the top two and each other on their toes. All schools can be proud of their teams as I have noticed that their skills and confidence is growing each week," said Selwyn.
He added big thanks to the tournament referees - including (former Kiwi) Nick Wright, Michael Larkin, Keanau Andrews, Michael Selwyn and Stevie Ray Haenga-Albert - for their support during the series, the Arnold Rae Park officials for allowing the use of their facilities each week, and the sponsors for providing drinks and other goodies to give out on the final night for which "all the children were very grateful".
Selwyn planned to kick off again in term II, 2015, once again on a Wednesday night after school, and said he was hoping to capitalise on the surge of interest by adding some other local schools to the draw. On behalf of RLN, Benson Selwyn wished everyone a very safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and said he couldn't wait until he saw everyone again in 2015.
