TOUCH!

Every Tuesday many children from local schools are out on the beloved grass playing touch rugby, I as one of those children wanted to know if you, the reader knew how to play this fast moving game.
if the answer was no here's how...

Games are 12.5 minutes each way, with a one minute half time break.
Teams may have a minimum of four and a maximum of six players on the field, with unlimited substitutions. Maximum of twelve players per team.
Teams are mixed: Must have at least two people of each gender on the field at all times
An all female’s side will gain only one point per try.

Players must be 14 years or over.
No watches or other jewellery to be worn during play.
Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. No metal studs and no bare feet or jandels.

SCORING

A touchdown will be awarded when a player places the ball on or over the score line prior to being touched.
A touch down will be worth one point for males and two points for females. The Dummy Half is not permitted to score touchdowns.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Teams may inter change players at any time.
Players coming on to the field may not do so until the player being replaced has come off.
Substitutions must only be made from the halfway line.

POSSESSION OF THE BALL
A change of possession shall occur when:
a) The ball goes to ground.
b) The Dummy Half is touched while in possession.
c)  The Dummy Half places the ball in the touch down zone.
d) The 6th Touch occurs.
e) The player in possession steps on or over the boundary of the field of play.
f) A roll ball is performed incorrectly.
g) A tap is performed incorrectly.
h) At a change of possession play is restarted with a roll ball.

PASSING
A player may pass, knock, throw or otherwise deliver the ball to any onside player in the attacking team.
Passing forward is not permitted.
A knock on results in a turn-over.

THE TAP
The tap is taken by placing the ball on the ground on the mark, releasing the ball from both hands, tapping the ball with the foot a distance of not more than one metre and retrieving the ball cleanly.
Any player from the attacking team may take the tap.

THE PENALTY
When a player / team is penalised the non offending team shall restart play with a tap.
The tap is taken at the mark and the defending team must retire ten metres from the mark until the ball has been tapped.
Play restarts with a tap when the following infringements occur:

a) Forward pass.
b) Touch and pass.
c) Rollball performed off the mark.
d) Performing a rollball prior to a touch being made.
e) Defenders offside at the rollball (5 metres).
f) Defenders offside at the tap (10 metres).
g) Deliberately delaying play.
h) More than six players on the field.
i) Falsely claiming a touch.
j) Using more than the minimum force to make a touch.
k) Misconduct

ROLL BALL
A means of restarting play.
Players must perform the roll ball on the mark while facing their opponent’s defending score line and rolling the ball backwards between their legs a distance of not more that one metre.
No overstepping is allowed.
Players must not delay performing the roll ball.

THE TOUCH
Players from both teams are permitted to effect the touch.
A touch is contact with any part of the body, ball, clothing or hair.
A minimum of force is to be used at all times.
The team in possession is entitled to 6 touches.

TOUCH AND PASS
A player is not to pass the ball after a touch has been made.

THE DUMMY HALF
The dummy half is the person who picks up the ball after a team-mate has performed a roll ball.

OFFSIDE / ONSIDE
After a touch has been made all defending players must retire 5 metres from the mark.
Defenders cannot move forward until the dummy half has touched the ball.
In a 5 metre play, the defending team must go behind the score line.
Once the ball is in play the defending team must all move out from behind the line.

SIDELINE
If a player with the ball touches or crosses the sideline s/he is deemed to be out of play and a change of possession occurs.
Play restarts with a roll ball 5 metres in from where the player went out.
If a touch is made before the player goes out, the touch counts.

OBSTRUCTION
Players of the attacking team are not to obstruct defending players from attempting to effect a touch.
Defending players are not to obstruct / interfere with attacking players supporting the ball carrier.

Now I hope YOU can grab a ball and give this fun sport a go! Credit to socialsport.co.nz for these official rules.

My Ticket To Taranaki!

Eyes wandering, feet shuffling, nerves flying. I was ready.

 I glanced back at the swarm of orange runners, it was time. My legs stretched, my ears pricked up, ready for the slightest sound… “GO!”

It was only thirty seconds into the race when behind me I caught a glimpse of the bobbing heads which only meant one thing..., my competition were still right there. My head turned, they looked like a stampede, I needed to maintain my pace, but I wasn't feeling too good.

I was about to give up when around the corner I saw my Poppa's smile "you’re where you want to be" his smile converted to mine, first was perfect but... would it last?

Two laps down and one to go I had to leave everything on the line. No regrets.  Nothing would stop me. I was the wind. Going so fast that I couldn't control my legs and then all of a sudden "BAM!" my world was totally muted.  The thundering screams of the crowd had disappeared. I had done it. A smile a thousand miles wide was plastered to my face... I had won!



This story was written about Mt.Spa cross country on Wednesday the 17th this week.

Auroa Strikes Again!

Another set of stand-out games were played by Auroa, as they continued to "carve up" the competition we are not surprised.  Eltham must still be jaw-dropped!

Soccer- A no-loss team continues to impress the crowd. Following a 9-0 win against Coastal, Once again Auroa used their ball wisely. Ultimately thrashing Eltham 19-0 was highly worked for in a land-slide victory for the champions! Player Logan said " It was simply a great game!" We agree Logan.

Rugby- Another match made in heaven (pun) for Auroa's rugby boys! Using what their legs were made for and running the ball over the line every single time! Spectators such as Layton said "It was an exhilarating game to watch." What a great game with a great score 75-14.

Netball- Wether it's on the field or court Auroa never fails to disappoint. The girls from Auroa must have been almost walking up the court! Goal after goal Auroa continued to shut Eltham down and continued to run themselves up the scoreboard! Captain Gemma said "It was a very one-sided game, super easy and great work from the girls!" never stopping until the end a whopping score of 48-22.

After Auroa annihilated Eltham, It was fair to say they don't like coming second!

STRIKE!

The bright pink ball raced down the number 8 lane, everyone's eyes pasted like glue 1 pin, 1 pins, 3 pins the round bulldozer knocks them all down "STRIKE!" Mum yells with her hand's in the air, my friends and I brace ourselves... This is going to be a long game.

Now it's my time to catch up I'm four points behind and can easily catch up all I need is four pins, I cross my fingers readjust and... roll. At first it's flying but then I see it's head turning and before I know it it's gone my only hope down the gutter. Literally.

"Anyone up for air hockey?" Gemma asks, I smile, now it's my time to strike!

Playin' Coastal Style!

On a bright 15th of August the teams in orange and blue shone like never before!

Netball was onsided action from Auroa and as always thier offence was as sharp as a tack! Shooting was a pleasure to watch from the very accurate Brylee and wild card Leila.
But defence was another story, the twin towers Gemma and Isabelle pulled passes out of thin air! A fantastic display from Auroa, some work needed from Coastal. A score of 40-9 was well deserved.

Soccer followed the winning streak with goal after goal from the lightning-fast team. Coastal try as they might thier passion and hunger for the ball simply was not enough, a whopping score of 9-0 to the super soccer succeses!

Rugby didn't fail Auroa either! Managing to get as much ball as they could get thier hands on, and kicking till they could kick no more! A blinder of a game with a blinder of a score 57-25 obviously to Auroa.

Once again Auroa never fails to deliver great play on the field and court.

Shoot It and Boot It!

Today was a very important day for our school, it was none other than The Kissik Eraio Sports Tournament.  The sports involved are netball and touch rugby, the age groups are year 5-6 and 7-8.  I was involved in the year 7/8 netball team we were up against two very competitive teams, Matapu and Kaponga Primary, our team was ready to fight!

Our first game was against Kaponga, they started with hard  defence but we soon released our secret weapon, Teamwork. The game was carried out some great play and with both team's working hard it was a great game, but a winner was soon revealed with the score 42-4 to us!  A fierce competition was put up from Kaponga Black, well done!

Next up was Matapu, a tall team that we were ready to play! This game, just as the previous one had great competition from both teams and goal after goal Matapu put up our team worked hard to try and defend, we tried our best the overall score came out as 25-13 to Auroa (us) it was a display of  some great netball from both teams.

Both games were very fair and very fun! I enjoyed both games and wish these teams best of luck for their future games and endeavours.

Being a part of our school made me feel very proud today.  We won year 7-8 netball and touch rugby and year 5-6 touch rugby. The year 5-6 netball unluckily lost to Matapu year 5-6 team, it was an overall great day (apart from a bit of rain!)

Question for my fellow bloggers- have you ever had a sports competition? Or something that was very important to you or your school? Feel free to leave me a comment and tell me what it is.

GAME ON!

Silence. Isabelle nods, her eyes low and steady, I hear nothing but the single blow of the whistle a signal that put my arms into flight and my mind-set "GO!"  Isabelle snatches in the pass, a warning to her partner "the ball is MINE!"

The game is moving faster than my feet, a couple slips only made me play harder and the harder I played the more ball we were receiving and you know what they say, the more the merrier.
Half time "already!" I moan I was going so fast i felt like I could not stop! My heart was pumping out of my chest my nerves were all over the court, I couldn't control the winning sensation!

Not a moment too soon, that familiar sound of the whistle blew and before I knew it my legs were a runnin! This time i was wing attack, meaning defence was the aim of the game, my goal to make sure my partner would not get the ball, so I pounded my body with force like thunder, scary and intimidating, and literally pushed my partner to her limits.

After all our players were near at their wits end and we felt like we couldn't play anymore, the final whistle blew and an army of applause pelted down on us, as did the rain! Just in time, now it was time to celebrate our tight score of 24-20 win with a hot chocolate!!

Run For Results!

All players are staring each other in the eyes, this is game time, I have to play my hardest and maybe that won't even be enough.

Silence. The first whistle blows this is only a trial but I put myself in a game state of mind, this is my team and we must work hard to win.

After only five minutes we are called in to talk about our foot-work and court balance the only thing I focus on is my drink bottle, man am I thirsty!  Before you know it we're back on court and rearing to go I stand like a shield pushing my defence off the line allowing me to make a loud and clear intercept. Perfect. My plan worked she misses the pass, I snatch it in, I'm a hungry tiger, I heave it down the other end of the court, someone passes it to GS she swiftly balances her palms, then, my favourite sound...... The swish of the net.

Congratulations to all those talented girls who trialled, for those who made it in congratulations! And for those who weren't so lucky keep trying, imagine how hard it would have been for those selectors!

Question to everyone:
Have you ever been under pressure? Been so nervous that you want to scream?
Share your story with me, I'd love nothing more but to hear from you!
Sincerely Emily.

*Image- Google search- netball clipart

Nothing Like Netty!

Wake up, the dawn is perfect, my eyes blur to the sight of my uniform and sneakers "YES!" I think to myself I was so excited first game of the season was going to be a great one.

Our freakishly tall team arrived at the scene and saw 6 courts taken over by teams in multi colours and whistle's blowing everywhere!  It was such a new experience for me the biggest league I've ever played in is about 5 to 10 teams, this league offered a challenge for our team, and I was so ready for it!

"Auroa to court three start time 10 minutes" We warmed up eyeing up our competitors, we could hear their whispers "wow they're tall" with eyes widened, and before we knew it, it was game time.

I was centre, I nodded in Alice's direction she mouthed the words "let's go". The whistle blew I threw the ball with mighty strength and Alice snatched it in biffing it down Isabelle's way she paused below the goal, the crowd grew silent with anticipation she slightly lifted her leg in the air and shot, my fingers crossed, the sound of a swish made me smile "game on" I thought to myself.

The Day couldn't have been better! Even the weather turned out for us.  With teamwork and encouragement we won 31-1 to the Stratford dynamite, a great team with amazing defence that put up an almighty fight and tried their best, thanks for the great game

Do you play a sport that you really enjoy? I would love to hear what you play or do for fitness! Sincerely Emily.

The Water Fight!

trim.wYzIeb from Emily on Vimeo.
On Monday the Mt.Spa swimming sports were held at our local swimming pools in Opunake. The Mt Spa cluster is a group of schools around coastal South Taranaki. The schools that participated were Manaia Primary school, Kaponga Primary School, Matapu Primary School, St Joesph's School Opunake, Opunake Primary School, Rahotu Primary School and us, Auroa Primary. To be eligible to participate you must do well at your own school's swimming sports first. I was entered in 25m free-style, 25m breast-stroke and 25m butter-fly. In my heats I placed 1st in free-style, 2nd in breast-stroke and 3rd in the butterfly and I was lucky enough to make it through to the finals. In the finals I received 4th in free-style, 2nd in breast-stroke and 3rd in Butterfly, then..... THE SCHOOL RELAY! This is what the Mt Spa shield depends on and I was in our school relay team along with Michael, Tom and Isabelle (our team is in the Orange Swimming Caps). In our relay heat we came 2nd, and made it into the finals. In the final it was a very close race where we came 4th. Overall there was a great effort put in by all of the students that swam for our school! Well Done Everyone!

40 minutes 0f Fitness!

Untitled from Emily on Vimeo.
This is a little video of our second basket-ball game for the season. We play every Tuesday night at our local sports centre, I love the fitness and fun of the game. This week we played the OPS Tigers (Opunake Primary School) It was a close won battle right up until the last second. Thanks for a good game OPS Tigers, you were awesome opponents and we look forward to meeting up with you again later on in the season. I Hope you enjoy the video!

Swimming Sports 2014!

Swimming Sports 2014 - Video Maker

Race Your Heart Out!

Today was not our ordinary day because we had swimming sports! It is such an exhilarating experience I had many different races but I especially enjoyed the 25m butterfly race even if I was the only girl! I also competed in the whanau relay which we WON! Also we had the student, parent, teacher relay where we came 2nd. There were many other races that I competed in, It was a hectic day and I know I'll be able to sleep well tonight!

Ready To Race!

Coastal Schools Triathlon!

Coastal Triathalon on PhotoPeach A few students from our school completed this triathlon today, it was an exciting experience!

Coast 2 Coast, almost!

My bike strapped tight onto the back of the car, my togs were on and my sneakers were set up ready to go, yes that's right it's tri time!
Every school was preparing in their own way, some were stretching legs others were snacking for energy as for me, I was jumping out of my skin! I was so nervous I felt I couldn't control my legs they were like jelly! "11 year old individuals to the swimming pool" as soon as I heard that I stripped my shorts and top off and then slipped on my cap and goggles, this was the easy part. "Are you ready?" The marshal asked me, obviously I was not but I answered "yes" anyway.  I felt my legs pounding like I was trying to demolish the water, my arms were spinning I was one massive cyclone. I passed people like I was a car up the highway at least that's what I thought.  After I got out of the pool I scrambled to my bike and before I knew it I was on the road.  I zoomed past people not taking in any of the scenery that surrounded me my eyes were interlocked on the running start line.
As tired as I was, I had to run. I had sustained a good pace the whole way and wasn't going to give it up now.
I sprinted into the blue tent and yelled my name, I felt like the queen of the world!
All in all it was a great day I would definitely do it again
By Emily Forsyth

Athletics Day 2014!

Athletics 2014 -

First is always the best!

Mouth dry, Feet hugging the grass, Eyes flashing across the start line, this is what it feels like to be putting everything on the line. Literally. Silence was all I could hear when really hundreds of screams were bombarding me like a storm, I saw a glimpse of my Mum at the finish line I had to go, NOW!  Not a minute too soon, the gun pounded to the beat of my heart, I was an earthquake my feet shaking the ground, and where were my eyes? Staring at the finish line.  I was in the lead but the other competitors were gaining speed, I replayed my Father's words of wisdom in my mind "it's all up to you".  We all crossed the finish line, I had no idea it would be over that quickly, the race was a blur, so much so I had no idea where I had placed!  A women in a bright coloured vest handed me a red stick, a sigh of relief ran down my sweaty face I was so pumped I could have done it again right then and there!  Who ever said "first is always the worst" is very much mistaken!
                  
By Emily