St Johns reach Rippa nationals

St Johns Hill School will again represent the region at the national Rippa Rugby Championships in Wellington after a thrilling qualifying final at Springvale Park in Wanganui yesterday.

St Johns led virtually throughout the final game against a determined Hunterville with the 5-4 full time score reflecting the closeness of the match.

Wanganui Rugby Union community development officer Jordan Farrington said 20 teams from throughout the Wanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu districts competed in the Mars Pet Care Rippa Rugby Championship qualifying tournament yesterday, although only 15 were in contention for a trip to the nationals in Wellington on August 18, 19 and 20.

"We were very pleased with the turnout, which was on a par with last year.

"It's a popular sport among the younger brigade and we really appreciate the volunteer referees from Wanganui High School and Cullinane College during today's qualifying round," Farrington said.

St Johns Hill School had gone into the final yesterday winning three from three pool games, while Hunterville had won two and drawn one.

However, the boys and girls from the hill proved too quick and elusive around the paddock to win the match by a solitary point.

St Johns Hill School also won last year's qualifying tournament, wresting the title from St Anne's School who had claimed the title the previous year.

"Unfortunately, St Johns Hill didn't fare that well at national level last year - it's a big step up from qualifying," Farrington said.

Yesterday's tournament for Year Six primary school children aged 10 and 11 also included teams from Gonville, Churton, Wanganui East, Tawhero, St Anne's, Aramoho, Aranui, Durie Hill, Fordell, Ohakune and Kai Iwi schools.