1st XI Cricket

St Paul's 1st XI started the 22/23 season with a series of close games against Grammar Red, Macleans College, MAGS and Grammar Blue. Although we only won one of these matches, all games came down to the last over and produced some fantastic cricket from our young men. Highlights for the season so far have been Solomon Nash’s (Year 11) batting at the top of the order, Stephen Thomas’s (Year 11) bowling taking key wickets in every match, Nico Smith's (Year 11) wicketkeeping - he has been fantastic behind the stumps, and Enoka Suli's (Year 12) all around abilities with both bat and ball. Although not a winning start to the year, we are excited about the return after Christmas, with a number of the Colts players now coming into the 1st XI, the rest of the summer bodes well for some strong results ahead. A tough end to the season with a narrow loss to Auckland Grammar, where player availability and commitment may have been the difference between wins and losses most weeks, however the future's looking bright with a wealth of cricket talent coming through the Junior levels.

Colts Cricket 

Our Colts have had a very successful season moving up a grade into Junior A T20. This was always going to be a tough assignment for a young team, but one they have handled admirably finishing with a win over an experienced Westlake BHS.

Hugo Lloyd (Year 9) has had an excellent season behind the stumps and with bat in hand. Arthur Gabriel (Year 9) continues his development, and with his determined attitude will no doubt be a very competitive cricketer for the next four seasons. Matt Blanch (Year 10) has matured into a powerful hitter of the ball who is also bowling with some pace, as are Peter Creevey (Year 9) and Joseph Samuels (Year 9). Jett Nash (Year 7) plays beyond his years and Troy Fuimaono (Year 9) continues to impress as a well-rounded sportsmen and outstanding student.

Volleyball

St Paul's Junior Volleyball team finished in first place at the Central Boys Volleyball Competition. This is an excellent achievement for a team and a code which 12 months ago didn't exist. All boys were a credit to St Paul's College playing with sportsmanship and pride, always fighting for every point right up until the end of each set, in every game. Stand out players for the year are Ngatu Lui (Year 10), Sebastian Smith (Year 10) and Marcellin Tagiilima Siilata (Year 10). Mrs Tagaloa also speaks very highly of Christian Faumuina (Year 10) who has been exceptional with his commitment and positive attitude all season.

Young Sportsperson of the Year

St Paul's had two finalists in the Rugby League category for Young Sportsperson of the Year. Sio Kali (Year 12) and AJ Jones (Year 13) were both nominated for the award - a reflection of their achievements which have obviously been noted by College Sport. However, there can be only one winner and this year, AJ Jones won the award. As AJ is settling into the next part of his sports journey in Australia, younger brother Siaosi (Year 9) was on hand to collect the award.

AJ and Sio are the perfect examples of St Paul's sportsmen - they are absolutely committed to their college. St Paul's College has always come before any other teams, so it's no surprise that they are both excelling in their sports. Well done to both young men, and I am sure in 2023, Sio will once again put himself forward as a worthy recipient of this and many other awards.

Thank You

Thank you once again to all our volunteer coaches, managers, trainers and supporters. We are truly blessed with continuous support from parents, families and Old Boys. Thankless tasks such as umpiring, assisting with transport, uniform, communication, hosting training sessions, scoring games and more - our sports program would simply not function without the endless support of our St Paul's family and community volunteers. On behalf of all players in all teams, thank you for your service in 2022.