Waimate High School First XV travelled to Christchurch to compete in the College Day hosted and run at Burnside Park by Canterbury Rugby.

We played in a pool format where we were drawn to play Cashmere, Westland and Rangiora in 3 30 minute games. Waimate started very well and dominated the first half of their game against Cashmere taking an early 17-0 lead. Tries to Todd Aikman (captain), Rhys Morgan and Scott Gillespie were well constructed. They hung on in the second half to win 17-5. Some big tackling and defence from Daniel Chapman, Dylan Mead and Sam Walton was impressive to watch.

The second game against was an almost repeat with Waimate winning 17-0 in a great first half effort. Tries to Scott Willoughby, Billy Porter and Scott Gillespie saw us dominate again. Brad McGirr, Todd Rogers and the new minted winger Billy Porter really shined.

The last pool game meant a win against Rangiora and we would play in the semi's for the cup. In a hard fought game Daniel Chapman showed real maturity around the field with Todd Aikman and the other forwards really playing well. The backs tackled hard and through sheer determination we pushed over for a try in the dying seconds to win the game and our pool 7-0, and undefeated!

The semi saw us drawn against a Barbarians side, which was made up of exchange students from around Christchurch. The game was fast and the battered and tired group of Waimate men played with passion and real heart to be tied 5-5 deep into stoppage time. As the game drew to a close the Barbar's crossed the line to win 10-5 and meant Waimate finished a very impressive Third in our first attempt at this tournament.

As a part of the tournament we had three men rewarded for their effort during the day these were Captain Todd Aikman, Daniel Chapman and Billy Porter. Well done gentlemen!

My thanks to the coaches and supporters who joined us during the day and the boys were a credit to Waimate High School and we can look forward more of that fighting spirit as the season progresses for us.

Swimming Sports Finals were on Wednesday at the Norman Kirk Swimming Pool. Lots of parents and friends of the school come along and support this great event. It was good to see so many people competing and enjoying the great day. The house results are out and Pitcaithly WON!.

The Athletics Sports will be held on the afternoon of the 24th and all day on Friday 25th February. Again we welcome all guests to come watch and support the students as they take part!