Sevens: Bay of Islands take out open grade Condor Sevens title

The Bay of Islands College team that took out the girls' shield at the National Condor Sevens at Sacred Heart College. Photo/Supplied

Northland's school sevens' programme seems to be in good order as Bay of Islands College came out winners of the girls' grade shield at the Condor Sevens held at Sacred Heart College.

The side, led by captain Teuarangi Tana, struggled initially against strong sides in Motueka High School and Christchurch Girls' High School.

Bay of Islands only scored once across the two matches, losing 31-5 to Motueka and 29-0 to CGHS.

But their form turned at the right time in a pivotal match against Mt Albert Grammar School as they closed out a tight match 15-12.

This meant they went into the finals with a shot at winning the bowl.

To do this though, they had to face a fierce Kaipara College side who proved to be too much as Bay of Islands lost 33-5.

Despite the loss, Bay of Islands still had a chance at some silverware as they took on Cambridge High School in the shield semifinal.

They proved far too good for their Waikato-based opponents, taking out the clash 39-0 after running in seven tries.

Next came the biggest match of the weekend for Bay of Islands: the shield final. Their opponents - Wesley College, a school of considerable rugby pedigree with 10 All Blacks including the late-great Jonah Lomu on their alumni.

But Bay of Islands showed they were a force in an exciting final where they scored five tries to two on their way to a 27-12 win, handing them the shield.

Meanwhile, Kerikeri High School lost their consolation plate semifinal 29-7 to New Plymouth Boys' High School in the boy's division.

Kerikeri had started the tournament strongly with wins against Wesley College (29-7) and Timaru Boys' High School (38-5).

A 19-10 loss to Liston College put Kerikeri in the running for the plate, where they faced off with Westlake Boys' High School.

Unfortunately Kerikeri fell to Westlake, trounced 42-5.

Bay of Islands College Squad: Teuarangi Tana (c), Hinu Watene, Aaliyah Clarke, Pearl Uren-Te Kuru, Jean Brown, Dahlia Hill-Tahere, Ngawaiora Davis, Kayla Wikaire-Mackey, Khan Tana, Daynah Nankivell, Jessica Owen, Kacey Potae

Kerikeri High School Squad: Brady Rush (c), Keegan Thomas, Joe Wadman, Dennis Koro, Nikau Graham, Tukini Navunicagi, Miles Halvorson, Jamahl Pawa, Liam Colley, Chad Boyed, Robert Rush, Tamati Williams