2022 Unison Super 12 and Shield Titles claimed by Hastings Secondary Schools
Hastings Girls’ High School and Hastings Boys’ High School take the district bragging rights as Hawke’s Bay 2022 secondary school netball and rugby champions following the Unison Super 12 (HB Netball) and Unison Shield (HB Rugby) finals last month.
The Unison Super 12 and Unison Shield competitions are open to all secondary schools in Hawke’s Bay with more than 17 schools and 280 students competing for the titles every year.
The Unison Super 12 finals were held on Tuesday 23 August and the Unison Shield final was held on Saturday 27 August.
Hosted again at Pettigrew Green Arena, this year supporters did not miss the opportunity to cheer on their teams with a very loud and passionate crowd on the side line of the Super 12 Division 2 and Division 1 final, including a Cook Island drumming group in support of the Hastings’ Girls High School Senior A team which made for a very lively evening.
Hawke’s Bay Netball General Manager, Denise Aiolupotea was very grateful for the season which they have had and proud of all teams who have competed this year.
“After last year’s disruptions, we were stoked to hold our finals in a packed-out PGA – with the drummers and all the supporters, it was a fantastic atmosphere for the girls!
“Congratulations to Karamu High and the Hastings Girls’ High School Senior A team for winning the Division 2 and Division 1 trophies respectively. A highlight of the night was Hastings’ Girls creating history taking the trophy back to their kura for the first time in the ten years of the competition,” Ms Aiolupotea said.
The Unison Shield final was moved back to its home this year, held at McLean Park as a curtain raiser to the Hawke’s Bay Magpies Ranfurly Shield match. With two shield games at the ground in the one afternoon, Hastings’ Boys High School 3rd XV aimed to topple the defending champions Lindisfarne College 2nd XV.
Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO, Jay Campbell said the level of rugby on show was top notch and it was great to have this game back on the main stage, which is McLean Park.
“A great battle with both sides showcasing their skills but Hastings Boys were the better team coming out victors on the day and congratulations to them for the win.
“I’m always proud to see grassroots footy played at the home of Hawke’s Bay Rugby, so it was amazing to have the Unison Shield final back at McLean this year. We’re very grateful for Unison’s continued support, enabling our young rugby players to access the game and enjoy playing with their mates,” Mr Campbell said.
The Unison Super 12 and Unison Shield competition are part of Unison’s sponsorship with Hawke’s Bay Netball and the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union, and an extension of its Greatest Supporter programme which encourages children in the community to participate in sport and promotes electrical safety awareness.
Unison Relationship Manager, Danny Gough said Unison was proud to support the regions’ rising sports stars.
“The focus and determination displayed by these young players shows the future of New Zealand sport is in good health.
“Our future Silver Ferns and All Blacks start here, at the grassroots level, and Unison is proud to be able to support players and coaches to excel in their sport,” Mr Gough said.