Junior Waka Ama Team

Our junior Waka Ama team competed in the Auckland junior regatta over the weekend. Our team did us proud with good racing and great behaviour. They were true ambassadors of what it is to be a St Paul's man. They competed in six man races as well as six mixed and 12 mixed with Epsom Girls Grammar students. Our team was: Naea Williams, Preston-David Stanley, Christian Fa'aui, Gianni Williams-Fotu, Anthony Fransham and Ignatius Veukiso.

Results were:

• 1st in the Plate Final for w12 with EGGs
• 2nd in mixed w6 Champ Final - Anthony, Naea & Christian with Epsom Girls Grammar
• 3rd in boys w6 Champ Final

1st XI match report vs Mt Roskill 2nd IX

Saturday 2 November 2024

Opting to bowl first on a green looking wicket, Mt Roskill were regretting that decision as St Paul’s opening batsmen raced to 92 – 0 after 10 overs. While the loss of Stephen Thomas for a well-made 37 and number 3 Joseph Samuel’s shortly afterwards slowed the run rate somewhat, the respite for Mt Roskill was short-lived as brothers Solomon and Jett Nash built a 3rd wicket partnership that eventually exceeded 200 runs. Solomon was finally dismissed for 189 as he hit out, taking risks in the final overs trying to reach a double century. Jett pushed on in search of his maiden century, but unfortunately ran out of balls to be left stranded on 98 not out.

In reply, Mt Roskill was never really in the chase, loosing wickets at regular intervals to be dismissed for 94 in the 27th over. Bowling highlights were Matt Blanch with 3 wickets for 11 runs from 5 overs, Finn Lloyd with 2 wickets for 5 runs from 2 overs, and Sebastian Smith with 2 wickets for 12 runs from his 3 overs. Stephen, Troy Fuimaono and Perekina Uaisimeni-Puepuemai all took a wicket each.

In addition to the outstanding batting and strong bowling performance St Paul’s also fielded extremely well, returning an all-round performance the team can be very proud of.

Staff vs Leavers: A Thrilling Showdown

Over the past few weeks, the Staff have gone head-to-head with the Year 13 Leavers in a series of spirited matches across four sports: Basketball, Cricket, Volleyball, and Soccer. Each game brought out fierce competition, remarkable skills, and plenty of memorable moments.

Basketball
Basketball was a nail-biter, with both teams showcasing impressive scoring. Highlights included Mr Jebb dunking over Steven Moala, Mr Meads’ theatrical steals, and Mr Samuela’s incredible moves reminiscent of the Harlem Globetrotters. However, it was Ikhan Epati-Faifua who stole the show, sinking the winning basket in overtime.

Cricket
In cricket, the Staff set a high total in the first innings, thanks to stellar batting by Mr JP Fa'amusili and Mr O'Hanlon. The Leavers put up a strong fight, with Solomon Nash dominating the field, but ultimately ran out of balls, leaving the Staff to claim victory.

Volleyball
The volleyball match started with the Staff taking an early lead. The students steadily fought back, evening up the score in the final stages. With the pressure on, Mr Toua stepped up and scored the winning point on the last serve, securing another win for the Staff.

Soccer
With both teams tied at two wins each, the final soccer match would determine the overall victor. The Leavers needed to win by four goals to take the trophy. Waka Tate and Solomon Nash powered the Leavers to a quick 3-0 lead, but the Staff’s defense, led by Mr Prasad in goal, held strong. In the closing moments, a brilliant pass found Mr O'Hanlon, who blasted in a stunning goal just before the whistle.

After a thrilling series, the Staff claimed the overall win with a narrow 98-97 edge in total points across all games.