Hauraki Plains College’s Girls First XV Rugby Team was named Team of the Year at its Sports Prizegiving on October 19.
The team received a trophy donated by Mahurangi College in honour of 50 years of sports exchanges held between the two schools.
Principal Sharon Moller told The Profile the Team of the Year was selected based on its regional or national successes, the culture it demonstrated in representing the college with pride, its overcoming of challenges, and how it showcased a positive team spirit.
“Our girls have won both the Thames Valley Secondary Schools Girls First XV competition, and the Thames Valley Secondary Schools Open Girls Rugby Sevens competition.
“The girls also won these competitions last year, and we know that backing up titles is not easy,” Sharon said.
“The numbers are growing in girls wanting to play rugby and there is a lot more support across our school and community for it – because of our wonderful girls’ team.”
At the prizegiving on October 19, which was livestreamed and sent out to the college’s whanau, team captain Dana Lang gave a “heartwarming tribute” to Karly Forsyth, who is battling a rare and aggressive cancer at Starship Hospital.
“While the red card that you have been dealt puts you temporarily out of the game you love, we know that you will be right there following and cheering us on,” Dana said.
“We want you to know, as you line up for your next treatment, as you face your next opposition, we as a team, as a school, stand right beside you to play the game and fight it together.
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know.”
Karly and her mum Angela – who is coach of the rugby team, and has been a physical education teacher at Hauraki Plains College since 1999 – watched the prizegiving on the livestream.
A Givealittle page has been set up and has so far raised more than $60,000 to cover any ongoing expenses, as well as Karly’s immunotherapy and possible future funding of other treatments.
DETAILS: To donate, visit givealittle.co.nz and search for ‘Karly’s Fight’.
BY KELLEY TANTAU
