College sports: Kamo squeak home in cricket tournaments

By JENNI RUTHERFORD

Narrow wins have kept two Kamo High School cricket teams in the hunt in national and regional competitions.

The Northland college defeated Bay of Islands College by four runs in their opening North Power Cup match, and won through to the second round of the zone one Gillette Cup by beating Long Bay College in the final over.

In other North Power matches, Whangarei Boys High School were comfortable winners over Pompallier College, while Kaitaia College reached Okaihau College's target of 58 runs in the 11th over for the loss of two wickets.

In the opening Robertson Shield match, competition newcomers Otamatea College suffered a 10-wicket loss to defending champions Whangarei Boys High.

RUGBY

An initiative by the Waikato Rugby Union to pay teachers to head rugby in their colleges has been welcomed by 16 of the region's 25 secondary schools.

One of those "as keen as mustard" to take on the task is Vance Symon at Morrinsville College. He is already head of rugby there and the rugby union will pay him $2750 a year to spend at least two hours a week developing rugby in the school.

The rugby union was motivated by a study that showed a 52 per cent drop in participation levels in secondary school rugby in the region.

Morrinsville College principal John Inger said he welcomed a scheme which rewarded organisers for their hard work.

TRIATHLON

Organisers have eliminated the often difficult changeover to the running leg for Saturday's event at the Northland secondary schools championships.

The swim or kayak leg will be followed by a 5km run instead of the traditional cycle leg.

Northland secondary school triathletes will compete with seniors as part of the Kerikeri triathlon starting with a 600m swim or 1.2km kayak at Opito Bay, followed by the run and finishing with a 20km cycle to Kerikeri High School.

Top athletes are expected to compete in the first North Island teams triathlon championships at Horsham Downs, 12km north of Hamilton, today.

The championships are open to all North Island schools for the first time.

Meanwhile, Rotorua Girls High School won the overall schools award in the Bay of Plenty secondary school championships after being placed in each of the girls age groups.

SWIMMING

Thames Valley swimmers will be racing for more than just medals at the Thames Valley secondary school championships at Whangamata Area School on Tuesday. Many will also have qualification for the New Zealand division one or division two championships on their minds.

Despite its small roll, hosts Whangamata Area School hold the inter-school shield. This year organisers have decided to present two trophies - one for the best overall results at the meeting and one based on the schools' roll.

SURF LIFESAVING

Competition is fierce for supremacy in the Bay of Plenty secondary schools championships tomorrow. Six teams will take part.

This week:

* Today

North Island secondary school team triathlon championships, Horsham Downs, Waikato.

* Tomorrow

Bay of Plenty: Secondary school surf lifesaving championships.

Eastland: Regional volleyball qualifying tournament.

* Friday

Bay of Plenty senior tennis championships.

* Saturday

Northland secondary school triathlon championships, Kerikeri.

Bay of Plenty preliminary volleyball championships (Saturday and Sunday). * Tuesday

Thames Valley: Secondary school swimming championships, Whangamata.

Northland: South zone swimming championships, Rodney College.