2025 Water Polo North Island tournament
During summer tournament week, the Premier and Senior A teams played in their respective divisions at the North Island tournament. It was a good learning and developmental tournament for both teams who had some tough, yet exciting games throughout the tournament.
The Senior A team played the following games where they had some losses, but also close games showing improvement over the tournament. Well done team and onwards to Nationals.
Senior A vs TBC B 4-7 loss
Vs Rangitoto A 3-7 loss
Vs Kristin A 6-8 loss
Vs St. Paul’s Collegiate 4-4 draw
Vs Takapuna Grammar 4-7 loss
Vs Kristin A 3-4 loss for 12th place
Thanks to Old Boy coaches Ethan D’Souza and Zach Stewart, along with team manager Liz Markovina for giving up their time over the four-day tournament. They now continue to build on this experience before Nationals in Hamilton over Easter.
Meanwhile at the end of the week, the Premier team took part in the fiercely competitive and what has become the most tightly contested tournament in recent years. Many of the coaches in the various teams have remarked how close the competition is and how exciting it is for water polo that any one team could take these tournaments out.
Our Premier team has lost three players this season (two to injury) and therefore we are playing with a young team. They rose to the challenge, however, and more seasoned players like Ollie Sahinkaya, Alex Rutkiewicz (injured during tournament), Ed Wescott (goalie), Ben Morrison, James McIndoe and captain Kayden Godbold have led the way with our rookie players. Rosmini’s water polo future's looking bright with young up and coming year 10 & 11 players showing outstanding commitment and a never give up attitude in the water.
Although our first game loss against St. Kent’s meant we didn’t get into the top 8, we still had excellent games showing resilience and pride. The highlight of the tournament was a Saturday night game against rivals Western Springs who we have played several times this season. They beat us during crossover play, but when we were down 2-5 at halftime to then equalise in the dying seconds of play with a steal by McIndoe, shot by Ben Morrison with only seconds to spare, it meant an 8-8 draw. We then went to a penalty shoot out where goalie Ed Wescott not only scored a goal but saved several 1:1s to secure the win 12-11. Rookie, Eddie Perry scored 5 goals in this game.
Coach Lachie Griffiths said: “What a game! Immensely proud of our boys tonight. This is what the Rosmini Brotherhood is all about. The comeback and passion the boys showed for each other was amazing to be a part of.”
Mrs. Peak (manager) was also very proud along with our supportive parent community who were kept on the edge of their seats for this game and the tournament. This team is certainly an entertaining one!
Premier results:
Vs St. Kents 3-5 loss
Vs SHC 3-11 loss
Vs Kristin Premier 9-6 win
Vs Western Springs 5-8 loss
Vs SHC A2 6-6 draw
Vs Western Springs 12-11 win
Vs SHC A2 11-3 win
Special mention to captain Kayden Godbold (Year 11) for being named in the Tournament Team.
We are very grateful to coaches, Lachie Griffiths and old boy Will Catlin, along with team manager, Rachel Peak for giving up their time for this tournament. We now regroup and look forward to Nationals during the second week of the school holidays in Rotorua.
