Mount Albert Grammar School Win NZSS Three Peat   10 Oct 2014

Mount Albert Grammar School Win NZSS Three Peat

10 October 2014

Mount Albert Grammar School are New Zealand Secondary School national champions for the third consecutive year, defeating first time finalist St Margaret’s College team 41-26.

The Auckland side tracked through the four-day tournament unbeaten and were odds on favourites to retain their title with their team featuring a host of New Zealand Secondary School players including captain Holly Fowler.

St Margaret’s College earned their way into the final for the very first time in the tournament’s history after finishing in 11th place in 2013. Under the watchful eye of coach Helen Bryant, the Christchurch side fought valiantly in the final against the more fancied MAGS side, and made sure they didn’t go down without giving the match 100 percent effort.

The pace of the game was dictated by a fit and determined MAGS side, the midcourt attackers dictating the pace and foiling the St Margaret’s defence to find their tall targets under the goal.

MAGS goal shoot Maia Wilson finished the match sinking 28 from 30 attempts (93%), with goal attack Chiara Semple finishing with 13 from 17 (76%).

St Margaret’s College goal shooter Jessica Prosser has been the outstanding shooter of the tournament with shooting statistics averaging over 90 percent across the week.

In other results, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School (AGGS), eased past Wellington East Girls’ College to win the bronze medal 32-27. The Wellington side finished in third place 12 months ago and in 2012 ended the competition in 13th, so must be congratulated for their consistency.

The third place finish for AGGS was a significant improvement from 2013 after finishing in 7th spot with some impressive wins over the course of the week.

St Mary’s finished their campaign in 7th place, defeating Sacred Heart Girls’ College 32-20 and in a closer encounter, local hopes Manukura celebrated a 5th place finish pipping Saint Kentigern College 35-32.

Two fantastic matches earlier in the day sorted out the final standings of teams placed 9th to 12th. The match between St Andrew’s College and Southland Girls’ High School was a thriller, only decided seconds before the final whistle as the teams’ traded goal for goal. Southland Girls’ came through victorious 31-30 to take 9th place overall with St Andrew’s settling for 10th.

In the other contest, Westlake Girls’ High School edged past Waimea College in their battle for 11th place and it was the dogged Westlake Girls’ side who eased ahead as the clock ticked down, winning 32-31.

Local side Palmerston North Girls’ High School finished on a high note to beat South Otago in extra-time 47-40 in the 15th/16th play-off and Avondale College were too good for Newlands College to earn their 13th place overall, 45-36.

FINAL PLACINGS
1. Mount Albert Grammar School
2. Saint Margaret's College
3. Auckland Girls Grammar School
4. Wellington East Girls College
5. Manukura
6. Saint Kentigern College
7. St Mary's College
8. Sacred Heart Girls College
9. Southland Girls' High School
10. St Andrew's College
13. Avondale College
14. Newlands College
15. Palmerston North Girls High School
16. South Otago High School

ROUND ONE
Avondale College defeated Newlands College 45-36
Palmerston North Girls High School defeated South Otago High School 47-40*

ROUND TWO
Southland Girls High School defeated St Andrew's College 31-30
Westlake Girls High School defeated Waimea College 32-31

ROUND THREE
Manukura defeated Saint Kentigern College 35-32
Saint Mary's College defeated Sacred Heart Girls College 32-20

ROUND FOUR
Auckland Girls Grammar School defeated Wellington East Girls College 32-27

ROUND FIVE
Mount Albert Grammar School defeated Saint Margaret's College 41-26

-Ends-

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