It was a day of "four seasons in one hour" last Friday as our TAS athletes headed to Oamaru for the North Otago Primary School Rippa Tournament. While the scoreboard saw plenty of action, the real battle was against the elements!

Rain Can’t Dampen TAS Spirit at North Otago Rippa Tournament

A Chilly Start

Upon arriving in Oamaru, the teams were met with cold, overcast skies and a light drizzle that set a "character-building" tone for the day. Our gazebo became the MVP of the morning—while the wind tried its best to take it for a fly, it eventually provided some much-needed shelter for the players between games.

Team Highlights

Despite the damp conditions, the skill on display was top-tier across all our year groups:

• Year 4 Team: These legends were on fire! They dominated their first two games with considerable leads and were just gearing up for a semi-final appearance when the weather turned.

• Year 5-6 Teams: With over 30 teams in this grade, the competition was fierce. We were proud to field two teams, both of whom walked away with a well-deserved win and a loss.

• Year 7-8 Team: Facing teams with deep benches, our seniors showed incredible grit in several nail-bitingly close games. A special shout-out to Henry, Louis, and Theo for their leadership in supporting and coaching our first-time players.

The Great Washout

By the time every team had completed about two games, the clouds truly opened up. The "spit" turned into a heavy downpour, leading North Otago officials to make the tough call to abandon the competition. While it meant an early bus ride home, our students left with their heads high (and their jerseys very soaked).

A Massive Thank You

Events like this simply don't happen without a village. We want to extend a huge thank you to:

1. Our Parents: For providing transport and braving the cold sidelines to cheer us on.

2. Our Coaches: A special mention to Tim, Brad, Jason, Robert, and Emma. Your guidance and patience in the wind and rain were greatly appreciated!

Great effort all round by TAS!