Basketball
This year was the fourth time our Premier Boys Basketball team entered the Northern Cup tournament which was hosted by Franklin Basketball Association. After spending weeks of training and preparation on the hardwood, it was time to put this to the test.
The first day saw our team play against Green Bay College from which an easy first 88-58 win was secured to set the tone. Following on, our second game against Onewhero Area School was another 142-58 statement win.
The second day started against St Peter’s Cambridge and once again another dominant 113-65 win. Later in the evening, we secured our fourth win against Te Haikura a Kiwa 91-73 making us first in our pool. Although this day proved to be tougher as the intensity started to rise with games becoming more competitive and physical, the boys kept their composure and discipline throughout the day securing a spot in the semi-finals.
We started day three with another win against Kaitaia College with a score of 99-74 allowing our team to advance into the grand finals against Rutherford College. The finals were tense with a whole crowd supporting cast and energy filled the court as we acknowledged the last time our Year 13s took on the court. The boys fought until the final buzzer to be named the champions of the 2026 Northern Cup with a final score of 97-61.
Massive mihi to our coaches Ray, Marco and Gian and manager Shona for all their relentless support and encouragement throughout the season. Onto the next!
By Jethro Matanguihan
Football (Boys)
This week (30 August – 4 September 2026), the Sancta Maria College First XI Boys have gone to the field to play football for Tournament Week, and it’s the team spirit and effort that has stood out most. Playing eight games over Tournament week at Huapai Domain, they dug deep to find the energy at the end of the week.
They have cheered each other on from the sideline and in the game, the older Year 13 boys have helped younger players, and the whole team has communicated and supported one another through every match, even through the losses. Whatever the results, the First XI Boys have, at the end, represented Sancta Maria College with respect and genuine care for each other, a foundation they’ll keep building on for the rest of the tournament.
By Andrew Nuamaan
Football (Girls)
The Sancta Maria College Girls’ First XI travelled to Waikaraka Park for the Kathy Seaward Tournament during Tournament Week. Competing against strong opposition, we played throughout the week, putting our skills and teamwork to the test. The week was filled with challenges, learning experiences, and plenty of team bonding. Despite some tough obstacles, we continued to support one another and displayed determination in every game. Our final game was a memorable one, finishing 0–0 at full time and taking the match to penalties where we came out on top, giving the team a well-deserved win to finish the tournament on a high. The tournament was a great experience for the team and a memorable way to finish the season. We are proud of the effort, resilience, and teamwork everyone showed throughout the week and finishing 21st in the competition!
By Siobhan O’Rourke
Coached by Shalom Danielson-Leota and managed by Makayla Samaeli, our Premier Netball team were placed 7th in C-grade at UNISS (Upper North Island Secondary School Netball). With over 128 teams competing, our team performed with great skill and strength, producing some great wins across the five-day tournament.
