As part of a review of the current Greater Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby League Competitions the ARL attempted to consult with all Secondary Schools. This included schools that historically play rugby league and also schools that have never played rugby league.
The Auckland Rugby League also spoke to a number of Principals at regional meetings courtesy of an invitation from College Sport.
A large group forum was also convened by the ARL in late September 2012 for Principals, Sports Directors and Teachers in Charge. Following on from the forum, schools were then visited individually to check specific wants and needs and to provide an opportunity to ask ARL any further questions that were not answered at the forum.
Overall the feedback has been very positive and the ARL are excited with the many common views shared by those schools playing rugby league. That being said it is unrealistic that everyone’s needs will be totally met with any proposed changes to the competition format and structure. The intent is that changes will be transparent, progressive and inclusive for all.
The ARL has re-designed the Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby League by renaming the competiton ‘College Rugby League’.
With the support of the Vodafone Warriors, ASB College Sport & NZRL the main focus for 2013 will be the ‘Warriors Cup, Premier 1st X111 Competition.’
The proposed competition format is;
Three pools; of 6 teams, Pool A, B and C
Preliminary Rounds – 8 May – 5 June
All sections to complete 5 week preliminary round in their regional section (A,B or C).
Competition Round – 12 June – 10 July
Top two teams from each Preliminary Pool ( A,B or C) will make the championship round. Next two from each to play in the plate competition, final two in each pool to the bowl competition. All draws will play a five week round robin.
Semi Finals – 31 August
1 v 4, 2 v 3 in each section (championship, plate, bowl) 6 games total
Finals – 7th August
Winners of the semi finals in each section (championship, plate, bowl) 3 games total
Entries information
Promotion relegation Entry will be open for all schools. If more than 18 teams apply for the spots, seedings from last year’s competition will be used. Sections will be allocated regionally. These will be assigned once entries have closed.
Schools that are outside the 18 can apply to challenge the lowest ranked team in their section. Promotion/relegation games will be played preseason at a time agreed by both schools and ARL/College Sport.
Changes to other school grades and competitions (U/15 Open Weight, U/85kg Restricted, Premier Girls) will be considered from 2014 onwards.
The Harbour Secondary Schools competition will be discussed with the relevant schools during early Term 2.
A meeting to outline all details for all interested Secondary Schools has been organised for 8th March 2013.
If you require any information please contact;
Duane Mann, ARL Football Development Manager
Email: duane.m@aucklandleague.co.nz
Mobile: 021 712 231
DDI: 09 526 0791
2012 Secondary School Report – Anaru Hudson, Football Development Officer
SEMI FINALS REPORT, 8th June
Game1.
Sir Edmund Hillary College vs. Manurewa High School
This game was played at Sir Edmund Hillary College in overcast but dry conditions and was considered the clash of the giants with Sir Edmund Hillary finishing top of Pool B and Manurewa High second in Pool A As expected the game was physical and very tight with Sir Edmund Hillary, (coach by Keith Hanley) taking the early lead with tries to Richard Heather and Semisi Tyrell and converted by Tagisia Fulutusi. However the second half saw a very gusty fight back from Manurewa (coached by Tea Ropati) through tries to Brandan Ikinepe and Soolefai Fale, with a conversion to Miquel Winiata. The final score was 12 – 10 with the win going to Sir Edmund Hillary College.
Game2.
Otahuhu College vs. James Cook High School
Otahuhu College went into this game as favourites wining all five of their pool matches; however James Cook were considered formidable opponents suffering only the one loss and one draw in their pool. The conditions were dry and made for a good running spectacle, which it was. Otahuhu took an early lead and never looked back, clocking at an impressive 56 points. James Cook never gave up and fought back hard but it was not to be their day losing in the end 56 – 6.
This week’s match will be an epic battle with Sir Edmund Hillary College playing Otahuhu College at Otahuhu to determine the number one school in South Auckland. The winner will then go on to compete against either Waitakere College or St Pauls College in the Grand Final.
Henderson High v Mt Roskill Grammar:
Another great game of Secondary Schools Rugby League took place at a wet Henderson High School where visiting Mt Roskill Grammar were looking to overcome a Henderson side that so far this season had exceeded many experts expectations. A classy display last week had Henderson coming in as favourites however the large Mt Roskill pack knew that a strong performance from forwards such as Abel Tuialima, Taufa Siu and Jeremy Lawrence-Pau would ensure a tight game, especially in wet conditions.Henderson High School inspirational right winger D. Pike Taylor had his boys pumped from the kick off and some good physical defence sore Mt Roskill spill the ball gifting valuable wet weather territory to Henderson. Hard charging runs from A. Swan and W. Shepherd wasn’t enough to get the boys in black and gold across for the first points however the Mt Roskill side were forced onto the back foot! Amos Pogia decided to take the initiative and burst up field for Mt Roskill, beating three defenders and laying on a great ball for Nakala Tulimanu to cross and put the visitors up, with a successful conversion, 6-0. Another try in rampaging Mt Roskill centre Charles Smalley had Henderson down by 12-0 and looking tired. It took some individual brilliance from Henderson Five-Eighth M. Esera to get the home crowd back on their feet and find their voice, slicing through through some weak Mt Roskill defence and getting Henderson back in the game. Just before halftime the margin was reduced even further when against the run of play, A. Ali powered over from dummy half, getting Henderson back in the game. Mt Roskill ahead at half time 12-10.
The second half produced some great defence however a high error rate no doubt due to the slippery conditions, and with 5 minutes to go the half time score still stood. With the clock ticking, Opeti Kei burst open the Henderson defence is his own half, out sprinting 3 defenders and crossing in the right hand corning, sealing the deal for Mt Roskill Grammar. A third successive conversion to Tualima Tualima made it an 18-10 win to Mt Roskill Grammar.