In an exciting final held at QBE Stadium last month, the Long Bay College girls’ rugby team won the 2019 North Harbour Rugby Secondary Schools Girls Championship for the second year in a row. The girls played Westlake Girls, winning the game 22-17. On the evening before the match, Long Bay College was proud to host three of the rugby girls’ idols, Toka Natua, Karli Faneva and Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate from the New Zealand women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns. The women encouraged the Long Bay side with stories of their personal challenges and successes during their journey to elite rugby.
“To have our role models stand before us and speak about the game was such an incredible experience. It made us so excited to play the game we love with people we love,” says Year 12 student, Lastisha Trigwell-Achmad, who scored two tries in the North Harbour final.
Team Captain, Dannidee Dryer, was deeply humbled to meet the Black Ferns who presented her, along with her teammates, with their match jerseys. “It really inspired me to put my heart on the line in the final and give it my all.” Mr Kevin Parslow, Long Bay College Rugby Girls team coach say he is extremely proud of the girls. “We had a number of younger newcomers to the team this year and it has been fantastic to see them join the great culture established by the senior girls, who were keen to hold onto the trophy from last year. Westlake Girls was undefeated throughout the season so when they scored the first try of the final, it was great to see our girls hold their heads high and keep strong.” Long Bay College has a strong history of success in girls' rugby. This is the fourth time in the competition’s history that the College has won the North Harbour trophy.
Boys Basketball team achieves big goal
Long Bay College’s Premier Boys basketball team has enjoyed stellar back to back seasons. Following successes in 2018, the team played the Boys Secondary School Senior A league for the first time this year, and are runners-up on the table after an exciting final against St Peters College. They now have the opportunity to play off for the top Secondary School’s Premier League in early 2020. Playing for a top spot at the final was the team’s goal this season. They are delighted to have made it so far so fast.
The boys’ success over a relatively short period of time can be attributed to a great team culture and expert guidance. “You need to have a great knowledge of the game and a connection with the kids. We are very fortunate our coach, Justin Bailey, has those special qualities,” says the College’s Head of Sport, Mr Paul Field. Mr Bailey is a former SkyCity Breakers Academy Coach and also teaches mathematics at Long Bay College. Proud of the team’s successes, Mr Bailey says, “They have a great culture. I pull the strings but it’s all down to them. We’ve had a lot of adversity this season with injury and illness, but the boys are the most resilient group I’ve ever met. The more I push, the more they respond.”
The Long Bay team can’t wait to achieve their next goal in 2020.
Student wellbeing comes first
With ‘Care’ a core value at Long Bay College, the school is holding a special wellness day to support students this month. “Term three is quite intensive for students. Assignments are due and we will be holding mock exams. To help set students up for success, we want to give our students tools for looking after all aspects of their wellbeing so we’re helping them to achieve that,” says Deputy Principal of Pastoral Care, Mr Mike Lewis.
In partnership with the College’s Youth Workers, the students will be provided with wellbeing information and can complete mindfulness activities, enjoy nutritious snacks, experience nature and connect with each other.
