Local high schools played to win last week for the annual 2023 tournament week across the South Island. Sports including rugby, netball, basketball and squash were played. South Otago’s Jules Witt gives a small spiel from the U15 boys rugby tournament week in Alexandra.
We had a tough first two days and ended pool play with one win and three losses.
We scored a few tries along the way, so we snuck in to the Div 1 B Playoffs (5 to 8 placings) tied in 8th place with Darfield.
We went through ahead of them as we had scored more points overall. South Otago went into the B semifinal full of confidence after beating Rangiora on Day 1 24-19 in a close match.
The semi was a close match and South Otago were ahead 21-14 with time almost up and a great tackle in the corner by Teawa Ketike pushed the opposing player into touch to win the game.
The B final saw South Otago start with a great haka and the team played with great energy and enthusiasm for their sixth game in three days.
A great team effort resulted in a convincing 26-10 win to secure 5th place.
South Otago were awarded best all-round team for the tournament by the referees and tournament organisers.
Our team MVP for the tournament was Noah Saro who gave 100% in every game.
