Fresh off their gold medal performance at the Auckland Championships last weekend, the TGS Girls Premier Ultimate Frisbee team made their way to Taupo this week to compete in the National Championships. This event hosts teams from across the country for two days of intense competition. Teams consist of 5 players who pass the frisbee down-field with the aim of a team-mate catching the frisbee in the 'end-zone'. You cannot run with the frisbee and it is a turnover if the disc flies out of the field of play, if the defending team intercepts / knocks the frisbee down or if the disc is dropped. 

The first day of competition was pool play which involved 4 x 50 minute games. Confidence was high and our TGS girls played extremely well to finish the first day in the top spot. That evening, after a bite to eat, weary bodies were dragged to bed for recovery in preparation for finals day. Wednesday (Finals Day) dawned - another spine-chilling wind whistled through town and it was clear it wasnt going to be any easier to throw a flat pass today. The semi-final against Whakatane Girls High School was a closely fought contest, unfortunately resulting in Whakatane progressing to the final and TGS having to settle for the 3rd and 4th play-off against their favourite rivals, Epsom Girls Grammar School, who were typically loaded with NZ Under 20 representatives. Despite losing one of their two senior players to injury in the semi-final, our girls stepped up; defending bravely and attacking the corners. Another nail-biting game saw TGS take the win!

The bronze medals were gladly received during prizegiving, but the TGS players and coaches were unaware that they had also won the 'Spirit' award. This coveted award is voted by the opposing teams after each game based on criteria associated with fair-play and understanding of the game. Scores are tallied at the end of the tournament and the team with the greatest spirit are awarded medals. This award is held in high regard - afterall the game of Ultimate is un-officiated and relies on players to make calls and resolve issues on the field fairly. Another medal to take home! The icing on the cake!

Congratulations to all involved.

Article added: Friday 22 March 2024