Kuranui holds onto the Bailey Trophy for another year after a 3-3 draw in the annual sports exchange with Tararua College.

Six Kuranui sports teams travelled to compete against Tararua at the Pahiatua Sports Complex earlier this month. For the second consecutive year, the two schools were evenly matched by the end of the competition but Kuranui retains the Bailey Trophy having won it in 2018.

Kuranui won the Girls’ 1st XI Football, Boys’ 1st XI Hockey and Senior A Netball, whilst Tararua took out the 1st XV Rugby, Boys’ Senior Basketball and Girls’ 1st XI Hockey.

Kuranui had a great start to the day with the Boys 1st XI Hockey scoring four early goals in the first half, holding on to win 7-3. Girls Football won 3-0, with centre-back, Maaike Smolnicki, scoring two goals and Holly Evans the third.  

A strong start from Senior A Basketball saw them leading 18-14 at half time. However, Tararaua scored a number of 3-pointers in the second half to win 38-33. Kuranui gets a chance at redemption when they face them on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the Wairarapa Divison.

An injury-depleted Girls Hockey side lost 9-0, supporters credited the side for not letting their heads drop and playing with pride right till the end. A tough game for Kuranui’s 1st XV Rugby team saw them lose 91-7, with JJ Gillies scoring Kuranui’s try.

Girls Senior A Netball team had an excellent game coming back from 11-9 down at halftime to win 23-18. Year 10 student, Lucy Jurlina, stepped up and had a great first game in midcourt for the Senior A’s.

Sports leader, Kirby Bradbury-Mills said, “It was awesome to have the support of coaches and managers that took the day off to come up and help”.

“It’s always a close contest between the two schools and this year did not disappoint. All teams played with great sportsmanship and played hard until the final whistle”

Girl's Football Team

Boy's Hockey Team

Girl's Hockey Team

Boy's Basketball Team

Rugby Team

Written by Amelia O'Connell. Article added: Thursday 17 September 2020