Rippa Rugby National Qualifiers

Kiana, ball in two hands, looking for the gap.

The Parkvale Rippa Rugby A Team competed in the Tremains Hawke's’ Bay National Qualifier tournament on Thursday 25th of June. The team contained four Rimu students; Hugh, Cameron, Kiana and Keighan. Our team faced a tough draw on a freezing day and played with spirit and teamwork to finish second to Frimley in our pool and just miss out on the semi finals.

Cameron, using his acceleration.

In game one, we faced the Napier champions Arthur Miller. After a slow start, we came back well to draw 3-3, with a try to Hugh Kilsby and two tries to Caleb Johnston. Game two was against Wairoa and we played a solid all round team game to win 4-1. Leilani Williams scored our first two tries, followed by a try to Kiana Pohe and another try to Caleb Johnston. Against Frimley, we got down 3-0, before two terrific tries by our captain Hugh Kilsby on either side of the half got us back to 3-2. Frimley came back strong and were deserving winners 5-2.

I was proud of our team who played with heart and never gave up throughout the day. They represented Parkvale with skill and P.R.I.D.E. Congratulations to Tiaho who upset Frimley in a tense, closely fought final. We wish them all the best for the Nationals in the Wellington.

Our mighty captain!