Mangapapa, Kaiti top of the sevens class

Manutūkē School’s Rightious Barbarich goes over for a try against Elgin School at the inter-primary school sevens tournament at the Rectory field yesterday. Among those who represented schools from all over the district were students who do not usually play rugby, which was one of the opportunities Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union was aiming for by holding the tournament. More pictures to follow. Picture by Liam Clayton

Opportunity was the focus of the primary interschool sevens rugby competition at the Rectory field yesterday.

Seventeen boys’ and nine girls’ teams from schools all over the district took part in the Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union-run tournament.

The day’s first games kicked off at 9.30am on six fields and culminated in finals  at 1.30pm.

Mangapapa held on to win the boys’ final 4-3 against a resilient Awapuni side.

Kaiti School were too strong for Waikirikiri in the girls’ final, winning 5-0.

The youngsters turned on some excellent rugby, despite challenging weather conditions, some showing ability beyond their years..

“Credit to all the kids. They pretty much pushed through,” union junior and women’s game development officer Mitch Purvis said.

“The tournament was “a cool chance for them, one, to represent their school and, two, to play rugby — especially for those who don’t play on the Saturday.

“A lot of our kids who played today don’t actually play rugby. We wanted to give those ones that opportunity . . . and we definitely achieved that.

“The weather was always going to be a challenge for us . . . on and off throughout the day

. . .  and it ended up being really wet for the final.”

He thanked the schools for their support and Bayleys “for continuing to support junior rugby”.