Three Northcross Boys teams took part in the North Harbour Intermediate Tournament at the North Shore Events Finder Stadium in the last week of the term .
Year 8 Boys Team 1
The Y8 Boys Futsal team were ready to test their skills against the best school teams from across the North Harbour region. The team got off to a hot start winning 13-0 in their first game and went on to win their next two games convincingly, managing to top their pool. After a straight-forward quarter final win the boys came up against a tough TNIS team, Despite NX having some dominance and a number of chances to close out the game the match ended in a draw and went to a tense penalty shoot out. Our penalty takers were ready for the challenge and slotted the ball into goal while goalie, Eddie Martin, made a couple of fine saves giving our NX team the win. This set up a final against Rosmini where we took care of business, winning 4-1. The boys displayed a professional approach and amazing team work throughout the tournament and are deserved North Harbour Champions.
Tom Roberts – Teacher in charge
Year 7 Boys Team 1
Many of the Y7 Team 1 players had football experience but very limited experience on a futsal court. Game one they won by default and were fortunate enough to have a friendly game to get an understanding of the speed and pace of the game. The boys faced a very strong Rosmini team first up. NX were up by 1 goal but unfortunately conceded a goal in the final stages of the game to close out a 1 -1 second game. They then played Glenfield and combined some great passing to come away with a 7-0 win and nake it through to the play off rounds. Whangaparaoa finished first in their pool – no easy beat. Our team started well and shot out to an early lead 2-0. However Whangaparaoa came back strong with 2 goals of their own. It could have been more but credit must go to Llewellyn – in goal – who saved two outstanding shots. In the end the boys drew 2-2 and were very unlucky not to go through to the next round due to count back rules. The players had a great experience, learnt more about the game of Futsal and did not lose a game! Many of the boys are keen to give it a go next year – that’s a win!
Marius Spencer – Teacher in charge
Year 7 Boys Team 2
We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to take a second Y7 boys Futsal team to the NH tournament. The team gelled quickly on court and made an excellent start in their pool games by beating a very skilled Kristin team 2-1. Even more impressive was the team’s 7-1 win over Birkdale. Their final pool game was against the Murrays Bay 2nd team and it was a very close encounter with end to end footy that ended in a 3-3 draw. Due to goal difference the boys were placed 2nd in the pool and had to face the MBIS A team. The NX lads put up a good fight and had their chances but the opposition defence proved to be the difference ending the NX team’s chances at progressing with a 0-3 loss.
Special mention must go to Isaiah Smith who weaved his way through opposition players to score a number of goals and to Rocco Ivatt who made some crucial saves – doing a superb job in goal.
Massive thanks to Ry Ward (ex-Northcross student and now at Long Bay College) who was an exceptional coach for the day.
Murray Toohill – Teacher in Charge
