Westlake Boys Premier Rugby League produced their best ever result at the 2016 New Zealand Rugby League Secondary Schools Tournament, staged at Papakura’s Bruce Pulman Park earlier this month. The team finished in third place overall which is a massive improvement on their sixth placing the previous year and a clear sign of vast improvement by Westlake’s Rugby League setup.
Westlake secured an unblemished record through pool play beating St Thomas of Christchurch 42-12, Tamaki College 37-22, after an amazing comeback having been 22-4 down at a halftime, and then defeated a big and physical Avondale College 26-12 to progress to the semi-finals. When Westlake came up against perennial powerhouse, Kelston Boys High School in the semi-final, the boys unfortunately played their worst game of the tournament, going down 26-16.
True to their spirit, the team regrouped for their match against St Paul’s College and managed to produce their best game of the tournament, destroying their opponents 38-12 to claim third place in New Zealand. To top off a terrific tournament, Leon Thambiran, Zae Wallace and Fine and Lotu Inisi were rewarded for their outstanding efforts throughout the competition with their selection for the NZRL Secondary Schools team.
To finish third in New Zealand was a monumental effort from all involved and highlights the progress that Westlake Rugby League has made over the last few years. Congratulations to the team who were outstanding ambassadors for our school and a special thanks to teacher in charge, Mr Heath Nola and Westlaker coaches Jamie Williamson and Peter Hurst for their ongoing support and encouragement.
