Gis Int retain title

CHAMPIONS AGAIN: The Gisborne Intermediate girls’ rugby sevens team won the Bay of Plenty/Poverty Bay tournament without losing a match. They are, back (from left): Brendon Hart (coach), Judea Keelan-Phillips, Raewyn Edwards, Roimata Douglas-Turei, Charlotte Thompson-Taylor, Sia Tufunga and Mahina Tauatevalu Front: Keontay Lewis, Hayley Ahu, Pasilea Mataele and Mary-Ann Vailea. Absent: Alazay Manuel. Picture by Paul Rickard

GISBORNE Intermediate retained the Bay of Plenty/Poverty Bay Intermediate Schools Girls’ Rugby Sevens Championship contested at Mt Maunganui last week.

They won all five of their games, scoring 106 points and conceding 31.

Coach and school deputy principal Brendon Hart said the girls’ defence, tackling, scrum and team spirit combined to be the key to their success in a competitive tournament.

Pasilea Mataele, Hayley Ahu, Mary-Ann Vailea, Judea Keelan-Phillips and Roimata Douglas-Turei had strong tournaments and were mentioned in comments by opposition coaches and supporters.

Gisborne Intermediate beat Otumoetai 15-7, Taupo 27-5, Kaitaio 20-12, Rotorua 22-0 (in the semifinal) and Otumoetai 22-7 (in the final).