School teams back in action

nterschool sport up and running: Raymond Jamieson, of Te Wharau, tries to fend off would-be tackler Falcon Spring, of Awapuni, as Leilah Sadlier-Wyrill (Awapuni) looks on. Picture by Liam Clayton

JUNIOR SPORT by Jack Malcolm

Primary school sport got back under way last Friday for interschool rugby and netball competitions.

Awapuni School rugby coach Stu Barclay said the children had been excited for weeks and were “keen as” to get out and play.

“They want to get into it, get physical and have some fun.”

He said they missed out on a winter tournament-style competition at the end of last term because of the Covid-19 lockdown and were eager to get out and stretch their legs on the playing field.

“They were buzzing all of last term.”

The first game for Awapuni was at home against Te Wharau, who won the match 35-30.

Netball was also getting under way at Awapuni, whose team beat Wainui School 11-6 in a game where the teams were separated by only one goal at halftime.

Wainui School coach Janine McDiarmid said her girls were excited and nervous about getting their season under way.

“There are a couple of first-timers who haven’t played before and they’re absolutely loving it.”