Dunedin schools St Hilda’s and Columba each suffered a pair of losses on the opening day of the New Zealand secondary schools tournament in Christchurch yesterday.
St Hilda’s led at halftime before slipping to a 41-34 loss to Avondale in the morning. The Dunedin school led 17-15 at the main break and scores were tied 26-26 after three quarters. In the afternoon, St Hilda’s fought back from a four-goal deficit at halftime and led 25-22 with a quarter to play before falling to a 32-31 loss to Scots College.
Columba fought back bravely in the second half before being beaten 34-24 by Epsom Girls Grammar. In the afternoon, Columba suffered a 44-34 loss to St Kentigern.
St Hilda’s have their final pool game against St Margaret’s this morning, while Columba play Tawa.