South Otago High School finished a very creditable 10th in the New Zealand secondary school championships in Auckland this week.
With an ounce more luck, the Balclutha school might have made it through to the top eight. But some nerves on the opening day resulted in the team losing both of its games, the second by just one goal.
But it won its next four games and yesterday played 2012 finalist Tu Toa (Palmerston North) in the playoff for ninth.
The teams met during pool play and South Otago recorded a 36-27 win. But Tu Toa seized the initiative yesterday, winning the opening quarter 11-5, and went on to win 38-29.
Towering South Otago twins Sophie and Abby Erwood had strong tournaments. Defending champion Mt Albert Grammar School defeated St Mary's College 41-23 in the final. Former Australian rugby league player Steve Price's daughter Jamie-Lee Price played at goal defence for Grammar and made some telling touches, and shooter Maia Wilson landed 34 of her 35 attempts to help seal the win.
