College sport: Ngaruawahia step up a gear after stepping up grade

By DAVE WORSLEY

Over 4000 people were part of a special atmosphere at the Sacred Heart centenary first XV match against Kings at Sacred Heart.

The home team suffered an early setback, losing captain and halfback Hugh McCarroll with a broken nose and concussion in the first minute but still produced one of their best efforts of the season before eventually going down 16-0.

Second five-eighth Tino Tevaga came close to putting Sacred Heart on the scoreboard when he latched on to an interception, ran three-quarters of the field only to be called back for offside.

All of Kings points came from wing Mason Isbey, with three penalties, and he converted his own try.

Tangaroa College continue to make waves after three rounds accounting for St Kent's 17-14 on Saturday. They are firmly ensconced mid-table with two wins. De La Salle College celebrated their first ever win over Auckland Grammar 15-8. St Pauls, Mt Albert and Kelston also won.

Kelston are back on track after a big win over Onehunga High School 32-7. According to coach Brent Semmons they are looking to do the same to Mt Albert Grammar this weekend.

"I think we will be able to put them under more pressure than other teams have done," says Semmons.

The captain of the team is inspirational hooker Hala Mali Mali.

In Counties Manukau first XV rugby, Manurewa continued their impressive start with a 59-0 win over Pukekohe. Rosehill remain in second place despite going down 10-3 to Wesley 2nds. Waiuku and James Cook High also won.

In the North Harbour competition Takapuna and Massey took a four-point, joint lead at the top of section 1. Westlake Boys and Birkenhead also won.

This weekend Massey plays Birkenhead at the Massey Club at 1pm while Takapuna faces Northcote.

In section 2 Rosmini lead by two points courtesy of a hard fought 13-6 win over now fourth-placed Kaipara College. Rosmini are away to Long Bay this Saturday.

Rangitoto and Orewa are joint second after wins over Long Bay and Mahurangi respectively.

SOCCER

St Peters, Mt Albert and Auckland Grammar retained their 100 percent records in senior A. Mt Albert accounted for Westlake Boys 5-1. Auckland scored a one-nil victory over Kelston while St Peters beat Onehunga High 2-0. Rangitoto College won 1-0 at home to Kings College.

FUNDING

Although the government announced funding of $11 million in the budget last week Executive Director of the NZ Secondary Schools Sports Council, Peter Sharp has come out critical of the government for still playing lip service to school sport.

Sharp says that the amount is not enough and there is still a dearth of coaches at secondary school level.

"The budget announcement of $11 million for secondary school sports coordinators is much appreciated but is only a sweetener that deflects serious attention being given to a major issue for New Zealand."

Sharp says that Graham Task Force report in 2001 recommended $15 million per annum be made available for secondary schools sport.

GOLF

The transtasman schools challenge takes place this week at the Wellington Golf Club.

Defending champions Rotorua Boys and national champions Rangitoto College take on Australia's two leading schools Ivanhoe Grammar (Victoria) and Hills Education Foundation (Queensland) today and tomorrow.

Each team comprises of three players competing in a 36-hole strokeplay competition, all three individual scores count for the teams total.

The inaugural tournament was won by Rotorua Boys ahead of Hamilton Boys.

Rotorua will be led by Jae An the youngest player in history to qualify at an Open championship when he made the cut at the 2002 New Zealand Open in Paraparaumu as a 13-year-old.

THIS WEEK

Today: Cross-country, Auckland secondary schools champs, St Kentigern.

Netball, Counties Manukau grading.

Friday: Basketball, Auckland girls and boys, various venues.

Saturday: Rugby, First XV games, Auckland, North Harbour, Counties, various venues.

Netball, North Harbour (at Onewa Domain), Waitakere (Te Pai courts), Auckland (Windmill Rd) competitions.

Soccer, Premier grade matches, various venues.

Sunday: Cycling, Auckland secondary school time trials, Tamaki Drive.

Monday: Orienteering, Auckland secondary schools champs, Woodhill Forest.

Golf, Auckland regional strokeplay champs, Gulf Harbour.