A team from Kaitaia Abundant Life School made an impressive debut in the annual Northland Secondary Schools' Netball Tournament in Whangarei last Wednesday, remaining unbeaten on its path to taking out the division II title.
Being new to the tournament, the girls were seeded into division II, Pool B of Section B, where they enjoyed wins over Okaihau College, Te Rangianiwaniwa and Springbank schools. The side progressed into the crossover - semifinal - round and beat Rodney College Two, Pool A winners, by 15-11, which in turn gave the ALS girls an opportunity to go head-to-head against arch rivals Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Kaikohe in the final.
Abundant Life eventually won comfortably by 21-13 to take the title and avenge the loss suffered at the hands of the Kaikohe kura at the area schools' nationals in June which left coach Rhonda Martin Raharuhi singing the side's praises.
"To the girls, a huge congratulations as your team spirit was awesome and it showed on and off the court. We all had a great day away," said Rhonda, adding acknowledgement to the team delegate/umpire Tui Kapa: "Without volunteers like Tui we wouldn't be able to participate at such a high levels."
The ALS girls now prepare for the Broadwood Challenge next Wednesday (August 28).
