A round up of tournament week 2024 - a week of challenges, achievements, and team spirit.
Basketball 1st V
Congratulations to our Basketball 1st V. Playing in the Southern Cup, our young team played very well and completed an excellent week by defeating Te Puna Wai o Waipapa (Hagley College) in the final.
The team, over the week, showed great improvement, a willingness to work hard, and a real desire to grit it out when we needed to. In the final, Alex Stevens was on fire, nailing 7 out of 8 three pointers. Cairo Lee was outstanding and showed he’s a player on the rise, and with the experience of Thomas Spain who controlled the tempo of the game, we ran out 100-88.
Football 1st XI
The football 1st XI had an excellent tournament, making the final, where they played Papanui High School from Christchurch and lost 2/1.
Playing with the wind in the first half the team looked a little nervous and took time to settle. Once into their stride they worked hard and with nice touches were putting pressure on the opposition. Papanui looked organised and skilled and went 1 up towards the end of the first half after a melee in the goalmouth. The second half was up and down the field with both teams creating opportunities. With 12 minutes to play Zac Owen-Gear found himself in space and smashed home the equalizer - 1/1.
With only minutes remaining Papanui crossed the ball into our goal area and an excellent shot which curved away and found the back of the net. 2/1. We pushed players forward but time was an enemy. A great tournament and congratulations to all players and management.
Junior Football
The junior football team had a successful week. On the final day, they had to play Christ’s College in the playoff for 5th and 6th. Having beaten Christ’s College earlier in the week, we were unable to complete a double against them. Unfortunately we were carrying a few injuries to players and this took its toll. However, the team showed great improvement and were very competitive in all games. They must continue to challenge themselves and play at the highest level possible in order to continue their excellent progress.
Hockey 1st XI (pictured)
The hockey 1sts played a fantastic tournament in Wellington. The team marched into the final unbeaten. The final saw us score early to lead one nil. Pakuranga College got into their work, and with good field position, were able to draw some penalty corners which resulted in them scoring. Both teams had opportunities, and at half time we were locked at 2/2.
The second half was an arm wrestle. The pace was frenetic, skill level high. Southland Boys’ High School had a couple of great opportunities but were unable to capitalise, and at full time we had to go to a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, we lost the shootout 3/1. The team can be exceptionally proud of their performance in the tournament, and have now won the right to play in the Rankin Cup 2025 – a fantastic achievement.
U15 Rugby
The final game for our U15 rugby team was against St Andrews College. The team bounced back from a very narrow loss the day before, and put in a solid and pleasing performance, eventually winning 43/5. A hat trick to Tyson Hollis was a highlight!
Thank you to all the staff and parents who helped with the coaching and managing of our teams. Your efforts are really appreciated. Not just from Southland Boys' High School, but from the boys themselves. To the parents who supported our teams, thank you.
