A humbling display of sportsmanship by Pompallier School was a highlight of the annual New Image primary school rugby and netball tournament played in Kaitaia on May 30.
The situation - which arose in the semi finals of the year 3/4 grade netball competition after rain made deciphering the scorecardsnear impossible - had controversially resulted in Taipa being promoted into the final instead of Kaitaia Primary School 1.
Once the error was detected, the coaches from both teams came to an arrangement and the squad from Pompallier happily agreed to replay the final against KPS 1 - who eventually came away with the win - to leave commentators and organisers praising the local Catholic school's show of fair play and sportsmanship.
Of the results, the year 5/6 grade final saw Kaitaia Primary School 1 prevail after an exciting game against Pamapuria 1; while Kaitaia Intermediate 4 won the year 7/8 grade final against stablemates, KIS 8. It proved quite a successful day for the Kaitaia intermediate which also enjoyed success in year 7/8 rugby final on nearby Arnold Rae Park, where Intermediate 4 beat Intermediate II.
Sport Northland's Lesley Wallace again organised this year's event which was contested by 480 children from the local primary schools making for 48 netball teams and 20 rugby sides contesting their respective trophies and the highly prized title of 2013 champions. Kaitaia College provided year 9 and 10 students as umpires on the day in both codes while North Tec also supplied several students to assist in controlling the games. Lesley thanked everyone involved with the Riders Sports event, particularly the major sponsors, local netball and rugby organisations and singled out Barry Murray, Louise Rogers, Perry Hanara for their help in running the day.
