Aorere College set for Top 4 debut

Aorere College after their Auckland final win over Southern Cross. PHOTO: www.facebook.com/aorerecollegesport

Aorere College will be representing the Blues region in the girls tournament at this week’s Top 4 tournament. Aorere, along with Hurricanes school Manukura, will be attending the Top 4 for the first time in the girls section. 

They play Chiefs qualifiers Hamilton Girls’ High School in Friday’s semi-finals.
 
School:

Aorere College
 
2018  squad list:

 Hulita Ahosivi, Glory Aiono, Jodeci Alaelua, Mary Anitoni, Patsy Chan, Danisha Falemoe, Folouleni Faleta, Sapphire Finau, Chrisma Ianusi, Patricha Ianusi, Filomena Leniu, Cathy Leuta, Lachlann Magele-Fatuamaka, Jireh Malo, Ana Mamea, Lana Napara, Chantelle Talisau, Numa Tangi. Tulu Tulu, Kasa Tupou, Maama Vaipulu, Melvina Weilert

Coaching staff: 

Head Coach: Sam Aiono Assistant Coach: Pat Fa’apoi Manager: Nicole Addison

Top 4 history:

This is our first time at the Top 4 finals. The Aorere boys First XV has played there before in the Co-ed Cup, most recently in 2016.
 
2018 Representative players:

Glory Aiono and Ana Mamea are in the Counties Manukau Heat Women’s rugby squad this year. Both made their debuts last Saturday against Waikato and Mamea scored two tries starting at lock.
 
Auckland under 18’s rugby squad: Melvina Weilert, Kasa Tupou, Tulu Tulu, Ma’ama Vaipulu, Patsy Chan, Jodeci Alaelua, Cathy Leuta.
 
What is it going to take for your school to do well the Top 4 tournament? 
 
Enjoying the occasion and representing their family and school with passion and pride.
 
What local competition has your school team played in this year and how did your team go?
 
We played in the [seven-team] Auckland Heartland Bank Secondary school girls 1st XV competition and we were the winners of that competition.
 
We played six, won five, lost one [to Southern Cross in the round-robin]. Points for 234, points 61.  In the semi-final we drew 22-22 with Onehunga High School – but progressed to the final because they scored the first try.  We beat Southern Cross Campus 17-7 in the final.
 
How did you qualify for the Top 4 tournament?
 
The win Southern Cross doubled as the qualifier for this coming weekend.  
 
What has been a season highlight so far?
 
We had never beaten Sothern Cross before, so to beat them in the final in front of our family and friends has been the pinnacle of our season to date.
 
 Does your team have a motto or saying that it comes together under?
 
Bully the Bullies
 
Are there any players in your team successful in other sports?
 
Ma’ama Vaipulu: NZ under 16 volleyball

What other support has your team received to get to allow it to operate at the level it does?
 
Family support has been the biggest for our team. Without their love and support we wouldn’t be in the position we are in now.  
 
Your school’s alumni?
 
Current Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Famausili.
 
Faamausili has these words of support for her old school:
 
“Good skills this weekend girls.
To represent your school colours at a national tournament is a huge honour and a massive achievement. You girls are role models for the next girls coming through.
Treasure the experience and most importantly have fun!!
What ever the result, hold your heads up cause everyone especially your families are super proud!!
Go well and leave it all on the field. 
BE THE CAR AND NOT THE TRAILER 
NO WHAT IFS :)”