Page 4 - 1984 Clippings
P. 4
Local lads off to a great start
THEY are ambitious, confident and Mr McIntosh says many of his team
bursting with pride; they know what they members would be discounted as players
want and they’re out to get it - and so far “with any degree of talent” if they tried out
no one has had the power to stop them . . for selection at bigger schools.
They’re Ngaruawahia High School’s “Some of our good players probably
hottest sports property to date, and if wouldn’t have much chance of playing for
present trends continue, may become the the big colleges, but we chose them because
Waikato’s top secondary school first XV they’re all we have,” he says.
rugby team. The team’s credits also include victory
Already the team of super-talented over the “traditionally strong” St Pauls
under 19-year-olds has notched up two Collegiate side and the Melville high school
major triumphs with the strong likelihood of team.
a repeat performance later this year. “It’s really quite remarkable for a small
This month at Te Awamutu, the team school like ours to beat these sides,” says
managed to score themselves a place in the Mr McIntosh, “and some people just don’t
semi-finals at a seven-a-side rugby realise how well we have achieved.”
tournament, which featured a strong line-up Much of the team’s success is owed to
of Waikato secondary schools. coach Chris Grinter who also coaches the
By the end of the day the Ngaruawahia Waikato secondary schools team.
High School first XV left with the proud “Chris is a very competent, dedicated
knowledge that they were the only Waikato coach,” says Mr McIntosh, “and he’s
school side undefeated during play. They always ready to help the boys do their best.”
were elated, and so was their coach and Mr Grinter was recently short-listed as
teacher Chris Grinter.
a possible coach for a world touring
This season, another triumph has been secondary school side, and Mr McIntosh
recorded. Playing in the top section of high says this proves the extent of his talents.
school level Waikato rugby - or division “Another reason for the team’s
one - Ngaruawahia first XV remain the success,” he says, “is that they’re really
only undefeated team - and if their on-field proud to be representing their school. This
talent prevails, their claim to fame will be makes them perform well because they
“Best in the Waikato”. know they’re the school’s major sports
Manager Tony McIntosh says sounds team. They’re highly spirited and the bonds
of victory were heard even before his team in the team are very strong.”
recorded unbeatable play.
Mr McIntosh hopes Ngaruawahia’s
“The fact that got to division one is a first XV team will continue with their
major achievement in itself,” he days. success story, perhaps going on to remain
“They’re a lot smaller than other high undefeated in Waikato school rugby, but he
school teams who have as many as 600 says” you can never be sure, it’s still very
boys to choose from. We have only about 80 early in the season.”
so it’s a case of making do with what we
have.”
