Howick College’s senior girls’ rugby sevens team have scored a decisive victory at the recent New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Condors tournament.
The side claimed the national girls’ sevens title with a thrilling 29-24 win in the final against Hamilton Girls’ High School.
The team’s journey to victory was a year in the making, following a challenging defeat to Manukura in the 2023 competition.
Howick College coach Waisake Sotutu reflects on the team’s growth and resilience.
“After last year’s loss, we put a plan in place to come back stronger,” he says.
“I’m incredibly proud of how the girls executed that plan, almost perfectly.”
The team’s tournament was not without its difficulties. In a tense moment, key player Ffion Penny sustained a shoulder injury during the final pool game.
However, her performance in subsequent matches proved her resilience.
“Ffion showed great strength and composure to play through her injury,” says Sotutu.
“Her conversion in the final tied the game and set us up for the thrilling extra time.”
The tournament’s early stages saw Howick College facing tough opponents, including a quarterfinal against Feilding College and a 26-10 semi-final victory over St Mary’s College, Wellington.
“Day two’s first game is notoriously tough, but the team responded well and improved as the day went on,” says Sotutu.
In the final, Howick faced Hamilton Girls’ in a rematch of the 2018 Condors final.
Despite trailing 12-19 at halftime, the team showed great determination.
“To come back from behind against a strong team like Hamilton Girls’ shows the grit and character of this group,” says Sotutu.
“Ffion’s conversion in the final seconds took us into extra time.”
With the final tied at 24-24 and the clock running down, Avah Sila scored the winning try in the 22nd minute of extra time, after a pass from Penny put her on the outside of a defender.
“Avah’s try in the corner was the perfect finish to an incredible game and year. It showed our team’s unity and hard work, and it was a well-deserved victory,” Sotutu says.
The tournament win has earned Howick College an invitation to the prestigious World Schools 7s tournament in Japan in April.
The achievement marks their second appearance at the tournament, having previously competed in 2019, finishing in fourth place.
“This is an exciting next step for the girls,” says Sotutu.
“We’ve learned so much about ourselves and each other, and we can’t wait to represent Howick College on the world stage.”
Getting ready for the World Schools 7s begins in January.
“The girls are already looking forward to training and refining their skills for what will be an incredible experience.
“We’re deeply grateful for the continued support of our sponsors. It has been crucial in helping us reach this point,” Sotutu says.
Sponsors of the Howick College senior girls’ rugby sevens are: Daruma, Accurate Waterproofing, Bayleys East Auckland, Tony Murray Electrical Inspections, Loveridge Builders, Grout Pro Services, Global Metal Solutions, Panel Form, and Positive Electrical Services.
