Cricket Report, Colts Cricket, Touch, Volleyball and More

Cricket Report

St Paul's lost the toss and were asked to bowl.

Avondale got off to a slow start with straight, aggressive bowling from Solomon Nash and Stephen Thomas keeping them pinned down. Alamoni Tuione and Enoka Sului then took the ball and instantly claimed wickets putting Avondale even further on the back foot.

Next bowled William Piliu who got their danger batsman out for a duck and before we knew it Avondale were 4 wickets down for only 8 runs and were looking in danger of being bowled out for a record low score. St Paul's rotated its bowler and gave most of the team a bowl; this allowed Avondale to bat out their overs reaching 69 runs for 9 wickets.

The pick of the bowlers were Alamoni who took one wicket for 8 runs off 4 overs, William who took 2 wickets off his three overs and Enoka and Justus Tele'a who both bowled hard and straight and picked up key wickets.

The start of the St Paul's innings gave us a few heart flutters as Solomon went for a second ball duck hitting a wide delivery on to his stumps, then William ran himself out and AJ Jones was clean bowled by a yorker. This left us three wickets down for only 15 runs and in some trouble. But cometh the hour and cometh the man, to the wicket strode Stephen and Enoka who proceeded to steady the ship with solid cricket. Enoka again played some outstanding shots, hitting sixes and fours on his way to a crucial total of 37. He was supported ably by Stephen who reached 27 not out and fittingly hit the winning runs with a well-struck boundary. All in all a fantastic team win and well-deserved victory to St Paul's 1st X1.

Special mention to Mr Ryan and Mr Borich who attended the game and supported the boys.

Thank you to Toreka Tele'a for the lovely photos.

Colts Cricket

Well done to our Colts cricket team, which is made up of students from Years 7-10 who are competing in College Sport’s Junior T20 grade. A hard fought win over Mt Roskill Grammar School recently, should put the team in good steed coming into finals. Troy Fuimaono (Year 9) is a regular scorer of runs and a name to remember for the future.

Thank you to Ms Lloyd and Mr Blanch for managing and coaching this team.

Touch

As the premier touch season winds down, we're left to reflect on a tough season for a young team. Whilst results often haven't gone our way, we will celebrate the way this team has performed against much older, much more experienced opposition. We are very proud of the sportsmanship and high standards of behaviour on and off the field this team has displayed.

Thank you to Mrs Fiu for managing this team in 2022. 

Volleyball

Our senior volleyball continues its impressive run with only two rounds of competition left. If results go our way, we will qualify for Auckland champs with an eye on competing in the Premier grade in 2023. This is an outstanding achievement for a team who 12 months ago didn't exist.

Well done to Enoka Sului (Year 12) for his leadership with this team. Enoka continues to make his presence felt across a variety of codes with his athleticism. In good news for St Paul's sport, I think Enoka's best is yet to come.

Courage, Commitment, Excellence

Two of our College values which have been evident in the 2022 sport season so far. For many of our students, it's the courage to put themselves outside their comfort zone and try new sports. From there it's the commitment in turning up to every training, every meeting, and every game on time with the correct equipment, which has in turn, led to excellent results.

In particular, our 1st XI cricket team - who are playing up a grade on 2021's 1st XI. A step up was always going to challenge our young men, particularly those who six months ago had never bowled a cricket ball, but the commitment to training and results which followed are once again a reminder of how talented our students are.

When St Paul's men apply themselves, be it on the court, the field, in the library or classroom, they are capable of another of our college values - excellence. Well done to all the students who have shown courage and commitment in Term 1 2022. We are very proud of your excellent efforts.