Hawke's Bay secondary school netball and rugby champions crowned
Lindisfarne College and Napier Girls’ High School are celebrating their place as Hawke’s Bay 2021 secondary school rugby and netball champions following the Unison Shield (HB Rugby) and Unison Super 12 finals (HB Netball) this week.
The Unison Shield and Unison Super 12 competitions are open to all secondary schools in Hawke’s Bay with more than 16 schools and 290 students competing for titles every year.
Due to Alert Level restrictions, the competitions were delayed by a month but didn’t deter the teams from giving it their best shot. The Unison Shield final was held on Saturday, September 18 and the Unison Super 12 finals on Tuesday, September 21.
The Unison Shield final, played annually at McLean Park as a curtain-raiser to the Hawke’s Bay Magpies, was hosted by Lindisfarne College this year as their 2nd XV took on the Central Hawke’s Bay College 1st XV.
Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO, Jay Campbell said although there were no spectators allowed, the two teams played a game full of entertainment.
“Lindisfarne and CHB have had a tough rivalry over recent years. Both teams play free flowing footy and their games always go down to the wire.
“We’re very grateful to have completed the season after an extended lockdown period and would like to congratulate all teams who participated in the competition this year. Thanks also to Unison for their continued support for our community.”
Napier Girls’ High School Senior A. Photo/Supplied
The Unison Super 12 finals were hosted at an empty Pettigrew Green Arena this year, although plenty of support was shown to all teams competing through a live stream by Hawke’s Bay Netball.
Hawke’s Bay Netball General Manager, Tina Arlidge understands the disappointment of those who missed out on their end of the season but was thrilled with the opportunity to host the Unison Super 12 finals.
“We feel for those who were unable to complete their season due to the current restrictions, however, it was awesome to celebrate the end of a longer-than-expected season with the Super 12 finals at PGA.
“Congratulations must go to Ahuriri and Napier Girls’ High School Senior A for winning the Division 2 and Division 1 trophies respectively. An amazing achievement for Napier Girls who will etch their name onto the trophy for the ninth consecutive time.”
The Unison Shield and Super 12 competition are part of Unison’s sponsorship with the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union and Hawke’s Bay Netball, and an extension of its Greatest Supporter programme.
Unison Relationship Manager, Danny Gough said Unison was proud to support the regions’ rising sports stars.
“The focus and determination displayed by these young players show the future of New Zealand sport is in good health.
“Our future All Blacks and Silver Ferns start here, at the grassroots level, and Unison is proud to be able to support players and coaches to excel in their sport.”
