Saturday, 18 March 2017

19 school teams in tournament

    By Steve Hepburn
    1. Sport
    2. League
    Uriah Genet, of Carisbrook School, takes the ball. Photos: Gregor Richardson.
    Uriah Genet, of Carisbrook School, takes the ball. Photos: Gregor Richardson.
    Sam Teal, of the Central Otago Mustangs, is chased by Adam Woodhouse, of John McGlashan College.
    Sam Teal, of the Central Otago Mustangs, is chased by Adam Woodhouse, of John McGlashan College.
    Lucas Erskine, of the Central Otago Mustangs, moves the ball on.
    Lucas Erskine, of the Central Otago Mustangs, moves the ball on.
    Sam McLean, of the Central Otago Mustangs team, looks up to the referee to see if his try is...
    Sam McLean, of the Central Otago Mustangs team, looks up to the referee to see if his try is awarded. It was.
    Caleb Wallace, of Tahuna Normal Intermediate, is chased by Marni Solheim, of Kaikorai Valley...
    Caleb Wallace, of Tahuna Normal Intermediate, is chased by Marni Solheim, of Kaikorai Valley College.
    Canterbury Bulldogs ambassador Terry Lamb (centre) with a bunch of John McGlashan College players...
    Canterbury Bulldogs ambassador Terry Lamb (centre) with a bunch of John McGlashan College players and coaches.
    Isaac George, of Outram School, evades Uriah Genet, from Carisbrook School.
    Isaac George, of Outram School, evades Uriah Genet, from Carisbrook School.

    Not only Forsyth Barr Stadium hosted rugby league yesterday. Just next door, at Logan Park, a junior tournament was held for school league players.

    The day started with the ground covered in fog and a bit of apprehension from the players, many of whom had little experience of the 13-man game.

    But the ball is still oval, the ground still the same size and tackles have to be made.

    Players quickly adjusted and there were not too many attempts at the breakdown nor trying to stand in the lineout.

    Players enjoyed the ability to hit the ball up and get a chance to freshen the legs, with the winter sports season just around the corner. A few Canterbury Bulldogs officials came along for a look, including former captain Terry Lamb.

    Schools from Central Otago, Dunedin and up to Christchurch were among the 19 taking part in the tournament.

    The top two high school teams had the honour of playing before the NRL game at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night.

    That was the final of the year 11-13 grade, between John McGlashan College and Central Otago Mustangs. The year nine and 10 grade was won by the Central Otago Mustangs.

    The year seven and eight grade was won by Tahuna Normal Intermediate. Teams of year 5-6 played but no winner was determined, as New Zealand Rugby League has a participation only policy in this grade.

    Four teams from intermediate and primary schools played at halftime in the NRL game last night.

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