George Fullelove (Y13) from the Whanaungatanga Student Leaders group gives us the low down on the Year 9 Netball competition:
“The annual Year 9 Netball Tournament is one of the most anticipated sporting events at Onslow, second only to the Year 13 Students vs Staff matches. More than just a competition, it provides an opportunity for Year 9 students to build whanaungatanga within their classes and strengthen connections with classmates, peer supporters, and other tauira from across the school. Over three weeks, the tournament delivered action-packed matches, showcasing impressive skill, teamwork, and plenty of mana from every class involved.
Finals week was highly anticipated. Two closely contested semi-finals set up a rematch between PMA and RHA in the grand final. The students packing the gym created an electric atmosphere for the finals. The energy was lifted further by the music, enthusiastic commentators, supportive peer supporters, and umpires, who did an outstanding job throughout the tournament. In the end, RHA, Hamish Rogers’ class, emerged as the Year 9 Netball Champions. Their performance went down to their excellent mahi tahi and a standout performance from Olive, who scored the majority of the team’s points. Along with taking home the trophy, putting their names in Onslow College’s history books, RHA also earned a well-deserved pizza party.
The tournament perfectly reflects what our school is all about, creating an inclusive environment where every student feels encouraged to get involved and contribute in their own way. A huge mihi goes to Mr Patchett, the peer supporters, commentators, umpires, and, most importantly, the Year 9 students who embraced the opportunity and helped make another fantastic tournament a success creating long lasting memories for all.”