Lytton win Hurricanes tournament

The Lytton High School under-15 girls’ team is part of the success story of the school’s rugby academy. Celebrating after their Hurricanes Championship win in Levin are, back (from left): Pounamu Wharehinga, Amoe Wharehinga, Ani Whaanga-Smith (captain), Kelsey Teneti (LHS MVP), Jazzy Ward, Phoenix Tumanako, Tiana Tumanako, Niania Skye Falanitama and Jordyn Tihore. Front: Tiyla Hotu, Taley-Jade Kemp, Cyene Tahuri, Shaniqua Kepa-Casey and Rhythm Monika. Picture supplied

Magic — that’s the best way to describe the Lytton High School Rugby Academy’s Hurricanes Championship win in Levin.

In only the academy’s second year, the Trish Hina-coached Lytton under-15 girls beat Wanganui 66-0, Feilding 42-0 and Kapiti 49-0 on Day 1.

On Day 2, they beat Wairarapa-Bush Combined 61-0 and Mana College 73-5 before hammering Feilding 63-10 in the final.

The Lytton team are a tight unit and conceded only three tries in six games.

“The girls have worked really hard to get to where they are now,” said Hina, a former Black Fern.

“They’ve been training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, focusing on strength and conditioning, cardio and speed . . . and then again during class time on Monday, Wednesday and Friday focusing on game plan and skills.

“The girls were in a league of their own at this tournament. Their hard work and preparation paid off.”

What the Academy has achieved in two years is remarkable. In 2017, they won the North Island secondary schools’ u15 development grade and the u18 Ngati Porou East Coast Secondary Schools’ competition, were placed second at the Secondary Schools’ Hurricanes Tournament and came third in the u15 girls’ section at the Condor championship.

This year, they were placed second in the North Island Secondary Schools’ u15 open grade, and won the Ngati Porou East Coast Secondary Schools’ competition. And now they have won the Hurricanes u15 tournament.

“The girls all focus and listen, they are determined, and they trust in our systems,” Hina said.

“Having a better understanding of the game, rules and their roles has aided their development too.

“The tournament in Levin has brought us one step closer to our main focus: the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Condors Tournament.”