East Auckland college dominates national schools’ netball
The key word central to the monumental success the Howick College premier netball side has achieved in 2024 is “together”.
That’s what the college’s premier one team captain Avah Sila tells the Times when meeting with her and coach Adelita Sotutu after their historic on-court accomplishments this season.
Howick College is now firmly established as New Zealand’s leading netball school, having won the national secondary schools’ championship for the top-flight premier one grade in Christchurch on October 11.
To claim the crown, Howick College defeated Avondale College in a nail-biting thriller of a grand final 35-34.
It was a continuation of the fierce rivalry Howick and Avondale have contested during 2024.
The east Auckland college beat the central-west secondary 40-37 in the final of the Auckland schools’ premier one grade final, and then went on to defeat them 40-39 to decide the Upper North Island (UNISS) champions.
Sila describes the feeling after the final whistle in the national final.
“It was really exciting. It was relief and after the two other final wins we had to win the last one. Our job is done.”
The captain adds they did plenty of preparation in the lead-up to major tournaments to cope with the key moments that decide championships.
“We go hard during trainings and practised keeping possession under pressure.”
Sila, who plays at goal-defence and is also a New Zealand Under-21s rep along with teammate, centre Charlie Lindsay, says the pair know players in the Avondale side because they’re also in the national age-group squad.
“Every time we play them, it’s anyone’s game,” Sila says, of the tightly fought matches the two have engaged in this long season in different competitions.
“They’re a very talented team. It comes down to the team that makes the least mistakes.”
Sotutu says two other Howick players have been chosen for the NZ Under-21s training squad – goal-attack Zermahnia Manu, and wing-attack Skylah Tainui-Takerei.
The coach, who is also Howick College’s director of sport and overseeing more great results being scored by the school’s other sporting teams, says Sila was the right player to appoint as captain at the beginning of the year, her second season in the top side.
“She leads by example, works very hard and is well-respected by her peers.”
Sila says she gets plenty of support: “It’s pretty easy to lead our team, as there are lots of leaders in it.”
Sotutu adds that the team’s undoubted strong bond is built around being “respectful” of all players, being “on the same page”, yet honest enough to “challenge” teammates in the quest to be the best.
The coach and captain are extremely grateful for all the support the team has had throughout the netball season, including from the school and family members that travelled to cheer them on at tournaments including in Christchurch.
“Amazing community – family, friends and sponsors,” says Sotutu, who adds that Howick College’s premier two grade team also won its Auckland competition this year.
Howick College premier one grade national secondary schools’ netball champions: Avah Sila (captain), Charlie Lindsay (vice-captain), Unuhia Crosby-Te Whare, Sierra Lau’ese, Zermahnia Manu, Liz Neiufi, Sia Neiufi, Ellay Peters, Mia Petford, Skylah Tainui-Takerei, Ariella Vaitupu, Eseta Waqaira.
Management: Adelita Sotutu (coach), Tania Tuinukuafe (assistant-coach), Amy Du Plessis (manager), Leah Pearsall (physio), Mel Petford and Claudine Teina (parent help at tournament).
