BACKRangitoto College’s Junior Girls Touch team has been on a remarkable journey this season. Competing in the North Harbour Touch module, and at the time of print, our girls have already qualified for the finals against Westlake, a significant achievement in itself.
Simultaneously, the girls took on the challenge of playing in the Auckland Champs competition, despite players juggling multiple commitments, including Auckland Volleyball Champs during this busy Summer Tournament Week. This meant coach Kaine had to call up players from the development team to bolster the squad for the tournament.
Facing formidable opposition, the team displayed exceptional determination. In pool play, they drew 2-2 against St Kentigerns, setting the stage for a competitive run. They went on to defeat Diocesan College, and then Glendowie in the quarterfinals, outlasted a tough Mahurangi side in the semifinals, and met St Kentigerns again in the final.
The final was a nail-biter, with St Kentigerns entering as favourites after winning the same competition in 2023, after beating Westlake in a thrilling drop-off quarter-final and then beating a powerful Auckland Girls Grammar in the semi-final. However, Rangitoto’s girls rose to the occasion. After a closely contested first half, they surged ahead in the second, ultimately securing a commanding win 8 tries to 2 to claim the title of 2024 Auckland Junior Touch Champions!
A huge congratulations to coach Kaine for your time, commitment and positive coaching style and also TIC Geoff Moorhead for your leadership and dedication. Special thanks to Melissa, Akisi, and Wade for ensuring the team’s smooth logistics, and to the parents for their unwavering vocal support—it made all the difference.
Team Roster:
Danielle Gray
Esme Wheeler
Isla Laursen
Jasmine Reader
Jayda Meek
Livi Dakuidreketi
Luca Aporo
Rebecca Robertson (C)
Sophia Potter
Tegan Smith
Zoe Scott
This triumph is a testament to the team’s hard work, talent, and the incredible support network around them. Well done, girls. You’ve made us all incredibly proud!
