Manurewa High take out national title
Manurewa High School are the kingpins of New Zealand schoolboy volleyball.
They won the division one boys’ national secondary school championships, beating Orewa College in three hard fought sets - 25-15, 25 -22, 25-23 - in the final in Palmerston North on March 31.
The win was an historic first for Manurewa High and one that put Junior Utumapu, Vaimaila Pulotu, Wanyae Suafo’a, Lafi Mauia, Tala Potifara, Jermaine Malaga, Odysseus Lata and captain Henry Ap’e in rare company.
They won the junior boys’ title in 2014 and so join the rare few who have won titles at both junior and senior levels.
Manurewa, the reigning Auckland champions with three successive under their belts, were seeded fifth. They lost just one of their nine games. Their dominance is evidenced by the fact that they lost just four of 31 sets.
Manager Claire Hunter says the team is special for many reasons.
‘‘They hold each other to high standards but are so supportive of each other at the same time. They have never given up or wavered in working towards their ultimate goal of winning nationals.’’
Hunter also paid tribute to coach Kevin Kelsall and his assistant Uatisoni Aso, last year’s captain.
‘‘Any of the boys will tell you how important Kevin has been in helping them reach this success.
‘‘He cares about the boys as both players but also as young men.’’
Outside passer/hitter Tala Potifara was named the championship’s most valuable player. Middle hitter, Wanyae Suafo’a and captain/setter, Henry Ap’e were named in the tournament team.
Tala Potifara, Emanuel Paupau, Henry Ap’e (captain), Junior Utumapu, Jermaine Malaga, Puaula Taulia, Lafi Mauia, Ezekiel Leiataua, Odysseus Lata, Lee-Fahn Manaia,
Players:
Wanyae Suafo’a, Vaimaila Pulotu.
Kevin Kelsall/ Uatisoni Aso (coaches) and Claire Hunterwas the manager.
v Tikipunga High School 3-0, v Haeata Community College 3-0, Burnside High
Management: Results (top 32):
School 3-0. v Western Heights B 3-0, v Mt Maunganui 3-0, v Western Heights 2-3. v Takapuna Gramv Tauranga v Orewa College mar 3-1. Boys 3-1. 3-0.
Top 16: Q/final: Semi final: Final: