College sports: Cup challenge doors open to South Island

By JENNI RUTHERFORD

Auckland first XV heavyweights Auckland Grammar, Kelston Boys High School, St Kentigern College and Kings College may miss out on a Moascar Cup challenge next year, with holders De La Salle College considering defending the trophy against South Island schools in an attempt to restore its mana.

De La Salle retained the historic cup after their fourth defence against New Plymouth's Francis Douglas College and will have their name recorded on the back of the original Moascar team photo that accompanies the aircraft propeller trophy, for finishing the season holders.

Co-coach Nigel Hurst said the team were thinking of offering inaugural contenders Christchurch Boys High School a chance to challenge.

"The cup hasn't been in the South Island for about 50 years.

"We're thinking of doing something special next year and offering it to schools who have won it in the past," he said.

De La Salle want to play at least three of their seven mandatory defences out of the region in pre-season matches.

"We play Kings, St Kentigern, Kelston and Grammar at home next year and they will be licking their lips at a chance to get their hands on the cup, but it might not happen," Hurst said.

Meanwhile, in the New Zealand secondary schools top-four competition, Wesley College are the sole survivors of the Auckland region after their 61-7 demolition of Rosmini College in round two.

The Counties Manukau school will now play for a semifinal spot against St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton.

St Paul's toppled Auckland champions St Kentigern College 29-13 to win a place in the quarter-finals.

SOCCER

Auckland Grammar gained some consolation for their season, beating Auckland premier and New Zealand champions Mt Albert Grammar 1-0 to wrestle the knockout cup from the powerful soccer school's grip.

Auckland denied Mt Albert a chance to recoup all their silverware which was pillaged from their cabinet last year by Rangitoto College and Auckland Grammar.

Although Mt Albert created most of the scoring opportunities they were on the back foot early in the match when key defender Jason Rowley was injured in the first minute.

Prince Quansah's sending off in the 54th minute did not help, leaving Mt Albert to defend with 10 players. Auckland's Andrew Griffiths broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, beating goalkeeper Roman Priore to score the only goal.

Auckland Grammar coach Alex Metzger praised his twin centre backs, Paul Vodanovich and Tim Broadhurst, for solid games, and Aaron Root who worked tirelessly in midfield.

BASKETBALL

Mt Albert Grammar broke a two-year stranglehold on the premier boys title by Avondale College, with a comprehensive 93-72 victory in the final.

The title returns to Mt Albert for the first time in five years.

Lance Baker was named the match's most valuable player for his 36 points.

The title capped a successful season for Mt Albert, suffering only one loss, against Westlake Boys High School, from 14 games.

Avondale College did not go home empty handed, with their premier girls side retaining their title for a third consecutive year.

Boosted by Auckland representative Aimee Williams and New Zealand A netballer Rachel Rasmussen, Avondale beat Epsom Girls Grammar 72-50.

CYCLING

Auckland Grammar's record-breaking team won the overall championship for the fifth year in a row as well as securing the Bigwood Trophy for a 19th time in the final race of the season.

The team of James Elvery, Todd Calkin, Michael Frankovich, Troy Klink and Andrew Small smashed the 14-year record for the 16km Tamaki Drive course by 11s.

The school is also looking good for the future with the junior boys team scooping the championship and cup.

Epsom Girls Grammar broke the three-year domination of Diocesan School, winning the overall girls championship and the Kingsford Cup.

THIS WEEK

Saturday

New Zealand secondary schools weightlifting championships.

Sunday

Auckland: multisport championships, sport climbing.