Thursday night saw the beginning of the Kiwi Tag competition, being run by Te Oranga and Robbie Bristowe.
We had our students participating in the competition. We drew Kaitaia Legends for our first game.
Our team consisted of Okena, Tumai, Tumoana, Rangiwewehi, Tanisha, Merita, Maringi, Michaela, Shadae, Te Reinga, Caroline, and Shavaun. We were only allowed 8 players on the field so needed to be very structured with the way in which we subbed. Luckily, we had Tyrone there to sub too, so we were fortunate.
The Legends team were all boys, and a majority of them play league - there was one huge monster! He really should be playing basketball but thats another story.
After talking about defensive positioning, and some offensive grubber tactics, our team took the field (hesitantly), but as the game progressed, the team work of our squad became evident.
Everyone had a role to play, and all the team attacked the line offensively, but I was more impressed with our defensive efforts. Also the fitness levels of our students.
I was somewhat surprised to see that we won the game 7-4. For the first outing, it really was outstanding, but the hard work now comes, and that is maintaining our game style. We also will need to improve, because it goes without saying that Legends will come back more ready then they were last night.
Well done to all the team - Player of The Day - could not pick one player. Was very difficult.
Thank you to Whaea Robbie Bristowe who came up to work with our tamariki during the week, to all our whanau who came to support and to our team.
Remember next week - don't ask me to sub you, when you have just come off the field! Don't defeat yourself before you go on the field, just because the other team are full of boys or are huge, for it is your brain and intelligence that counts, not your size! ALWAYS support your team. Don't run around on the side, as that states to me, you do not care about what your teammates are doing - you care about yourself instead ...
Team for next week - depending on attitude, behaviour, and work completed in class, Papa will choose the team on a weekly basis, so lets make sure we give 100% always irrespective of what we do.
See you all tomorrow and don't forget anything. Get an early night sleep, and pack your gears tonight prior to departure.
Naku noa
Papa Teimana
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