Back to back to back has a nice ring to it doesn’t it!
Coach James Graham said he “Was impressed at his side's ability to handle pressure and execute their game plan. It was great to see the players working hard for each other and they were very proud to represent their school."
After a hard fought 8-0 victory over Ponsonby in round one and then 6-1 over Pt Chevalier in the second round, Bayfield continued its dominance with a 7-0 victory over Westmere and 8-1 over Marist.
That set up a tough showdown with St Francis in the final, but thanks to spirited efforts from the likes of Maia Bennett (top tackler and only girl in the team, who having never played the game featured in her first rugby tournament), Alex Reid (captain and prop, great runs up the middle), Taylor Jordan (top try scorer) and Jack Saunders (ran the game well from first 5) helped retain the trophy with a nail biting 4-3 victory. The team also included: Max Johnson, Henry McPherson, Ben Blake-Howling, Joe Szusterman, Max De-Witte, Charlie Ashford, Ashton Smith, Sam Baird, Sasha Holloway, Jack Goldspink, Louis Parker-Campbell, Jamie Robertson
Well done Bayfield and the 13 other schools that participated. Bayfield now goes on to play the three other best schools in Auckland in the champions of champions tournament. (GEORGE BERRY)