Update: Rotorua boys in AIMS Games finals

Bronson Andreson of Rotorua. Photograph by George Novak.

Update:

Unfortunately Rotorua Intermediate has gone down 7-2 in the final to Tauranga Intermediate.

A parent said the boys played their hearts out.

Charlie Apperley of Rotorua. Photograph by George Novak

Earlier:

Rotorua Intermediate School has made National Intermediate AIMS finals for the first time.

It is the first time futsal (indoor five aside soccer) , has been introduced to this arena.

The school has been practicing for about 22 weeks for the tournament. The squad is made up of 10 players, five Year 7 and five Year 8s, playing mainly full Year 8 teams.

Rotorua Intermediate School futsal team. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Coach Mark Trembath said they won their tough pool beating Auckland favourites ACG Parnel and MT Roskill College and overcame Whangaparoa, Aquinas and Otomoetai Colleges with bigger score lines.

"In the quarter finals we were given an underdog status up against large Glen Eden Intermediate with a score or 3-1.

"In the semis today at 10.30am we come up against Sommerville Intermediate from Auckland to a must game win.

"Expected to lose by all at the tournament the boys dug deep and came away with a last minute sensational Matthew Wynyard goal, to win 3-2 with a last 40 second pounding at the goal and exceptional saving by small goal keeper Logan Nicolson-Mabey.

"We now have the battle of the bay at 3pm live on the AIMS website between Rotorua Intermediate and Tauranga Intermediate.

"We hope to have three players in the tournament team announced later this afternoon."

Watch the game at www.nzaimsgames.co.nz.