College Sport: Jonah's successors do Wesley proud

By JENNI RUTHERFORD

A powerfully built Wesley College side have carried on their proud rugby sevens record, winning the New Zealand secondary schools championships at Petone.

It is the fourth time Wesley's name has been inscribed on the trophy, following wins in 1989, 1993 and 1996. Jonah Lomu, one of the school's most successful old boys, was part of the winning side in 1993.

The competition is recognised as a launching pad for international sevens or XV careers. It was at the 1993 tournament that Lomu was exposed to New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tiejens.

Wesley's Pacific Islander-packed side fought off Hamilton Boys' High in the final, running away 26-19.

Wesley's Wakka Setitaia was named the most improved player of the tournament and rewarded with a place in the national secondary schools squad.

Auckland schools are well represented in the XV squad who were named yesterday. Of the 24 boys chosen, 13 are from the Auckland region.

The squad travel to Australia for a three-match tour next month against an ACT President's XV in Canberra, Australia A in Bathurst and Australia Schools in Sydney.

The premier grade rugby semifinalists have been found around the region and for Auckland's 1A division, this is where the competition gets white hot.

Moascar Cup-holders St Peter's, who finished unbeaten in round-robin games, will take on Kelson Boys' High School on home turf on Saturday, while Auckland Grammar go head-to-head with St Kentigern for a place in the final.

In the 1B grade, Macleans College meet Tangaroa College for a spot in the final and promotion to the 1A grade. Hillary College play Dilworth School in the other semifinal on Saturday.

Massey High School finished top of the North Harbour competition after beating Westlake Boys' High School 35-24 on Saturday. Westlake get another chance at Rosmini College in the semifinal after their surprise loss two weeks ago, while fourth-placed Rangitoto College take on Massey.

Auckland Girls' Grammar did not hold back in the girls' semifinal, clocking up 13 tries in beating Tangaroa College 81-0.

Justine Lavea was outstanding, dotting down five times, while Wikitoria Jacobs kicked eight conversions.

Papatoetoe College lost several players because of rough play, but still beat Kaipara College 41-7, setting up a final with Auckland Girls' on Monday.

SOCCER

Westlake Boys' High, who have returned to the fore of the premier schoolboy competition, beat defending champions Mt Albert Grammar 2-0 to throw the competiton into a three-way battle.

Westlake have been absent from among the leaders for some years, but their stunning win lifts them above Mt Albert on goal average.

Under the guidance of the former coach of the national under-17 team, Kevin Fallon, Mt Albert have been a successful unit, winning the Auckland and New Zealand championships last year.

Auckland Grammar, lurking in the shadows, are capable of winning the competition if they beat the now pumped-up Westlake side on Saturday or down Mt Albert the week after.

Either way, the final two rounds will be crucial to the three schools and should make a thrilling finish to the championships.

This week;

Today:

Intercity boys' hockey.

Auckland: grades 1A/B boys' hockey.

Counties Manukau: netball, girls soccer.

North Harbour: grades 1 and 2 boys' hockey.

Tomorrow:

Intercity girls' hockey.

Auckland: grades 1A/B girls' hockey.

North Harbour: grades 1 and 2 girls' hockey.

Friday:

NZSS squash championships, Hamilton.

Auckland: basketball, squash, badminton.

North Harbour: grades 3 and 4 girls hockey.

Saturday:

NZSS squash championships.

NZSS rugby league finals.

NZSS individual cycling championships.

Auckland: grades 1A/B rugby semifinals, neball, soccer.

Counties Manukau: rugby finals.

North Harbour: rugby finals, netball.

Monday:

Auckland: girls' rugby final, junior squash.

North Harbour: grade 3 boys hockey.