The next game wasn't much different, the depth of talent available to the league stronghold of Counties Manukau proved far too much for the homeside 17s to contain, the Swords eventually going down 6-66.
There was some emotion involved in the 17s match for both sides. For the Swords, the passing away of his father, John, on Saturday night meant coach Benson Selwyn was unavailable.
John Selwyn was one of two Counties Manukau league stalwarts who passed away during the past week, the other being Paul Okesene (the older brother of former Warriors star, Hitro Okesene) in France.
At the time of his death from a heart attack, Paul Okesene, a former Samoan international league player, was driving a bus for French rugby union club, USA Perpignan.
The Northern Swords v Counties Manukau Stingrays Premier (e.g. senior) teams featured in the televised Pirtek National Premiership last night which was screened live on SKY Sport 2. The under-85kg secondary schools match between Aorere College and Southern Cross Campus provided a curtainraiser.
The three Northern Swords teams enjoy a bye in round 6 of the National Premiership this Sunday.
Adam Blair Trophy
The dates and the venue for the grand finale were changed and will be in Kaikohe tomorrow. The 3rd/4th playoffs between Kamo High and Bay of Islands College will kick proceedings off at 3pm, while the trophy grand final features Whangarei Boys High and Okaihau College at 4.15pm. The plate final between Te Rangi Aniwaniwa and Dargaville has been postponed until next term
All three games were to have been at Moerewa this Saturday but several schools protested, despite some being long aware of the dates.
It was only when they had qualified for the finals they began citing concerns at the Far North location, as well as the potential unavailability of players through rugby/high school holiday commitments.
Rugby League Northland GM Alex Smits was happy to compromise despite the massive inconvenience, noting it was also about working around players' rugby union priorities.
"It's been a healthy debate and solution has been found," Smits said, reiterating his organisation's commitment to schoolboy league competition. "The Northtec Adam Blair Trophy is absolutely vital to growth of our sport. Moerewa was to be the venue as it is central to everyone and a heartland of league."
Smits said the event format will be reviewed and improved next season, particularly once stronger communication with all parties involved was reached.
Results from last Wednesday's 'semi final': Okaihau 26 BOI College 12, WHBS 40 Kamo 28, Dargaville 38 Bream Bay 16.
Also at Lindvart Park this week, is the inaugural Year 9/10 challenge cup for year 9/10 students this Thursday.
