The qualifying tournament for the National Rippa Competition was held on Wednesday at Windsor Park in very wet and trying conditions. Winner heads to the nationals in Wellington.
26 schools from North Harbour selected their top 10 Rippa players (5 girls and 5 boys) to represent their school. The prize is big so the competition is fierce. Schools must first win their pool round to go through to the quarters and then onto the semi-finals. In the quarters and semis the first try is counted in the event of a draw, so there is no room for error. The hard luck story of the day would have to go to Dairy Flat Primary who never lost a game but didn’t make it through to the finals due to a draw with St Josephs in the semis.
Red Beach and St Joseph’s fought it out try for try in the final with once again St Joseph’s coming out 1 try ahead at full time. There were tears, there were hugs, there were fist pumps, this day had it all! The team at Harbour Rugby who attend the tournament are never failed to be impressed by the skill set, focus and determination of these young players, it is incredible what these kids can do!
St Josephs will now head off to Wellington to Represent our region in the Air NZ National Rippa tournament on 21-23 August, the lucky players and two chaperones will have their airfares, accommodation, meals and uniforms all paid for as well as attending some very cool NZ Rugby activities.
North Harbour Rugby wishes St Josephs the very best and congratulates them on a fantastic win. We would also like to thank and congratulate all the schools that attended, we really were impressed with the standard of rippa in all of the competing teams.
Schools to Represent North Harbour at the National Rippa Tournament
2011 - Albany Primary
2012 - Browns Bay Primary
2013 - Marina View Primary
2014 – Whangaparaoa Primary
2015 – Willow Park Primary
2016 – St Josephs
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