Mount Albert Grammar School played Gisborne Boys High School in the final of the New Zealand Novotel Secondary Schools Rugby final at Whakarewarewa Rugby Club, September 3rd.
Half time score: MAGS 5 Gisborne 24
Final Score: Loss to Mount Albert Grammar School 24 - 36
"We cover the top schools
in NZ and have followed the Auckland league and the
National Champs in Rotorua.
As an outsider with no
allegiance to any school, I need to express my
congratulations from SuperSchools to MAGS 1st XV on their
performance and their conduct at the National Champs. It
takes real character to come from a near impossible
situation and turn things around as they did in the final.
While they may have lost the game, they stood out for their
attitude and sportsmanship.
In particular, it is my
observation that your captain, Ben Richards, has special
qualities for one so young."
E-mail received after the Final on Monday.
I have just returned from
Rotorua, watching the 1st XV and catching up with my old
school mate, David Maguire.
It was a long drive home, but
it gave me plenty of time to reflect on the rugby and
events during my visit north. If it's possible, could you
please pass on our congratulations to the team for their
considerable successes this season. David and I felt
extremely proud to be Mags old boys as we stood on the
sideline and watched the team display enormous effort and
tremendous skill.
Perhaps even more importantly,
we were delighted to see that the ''Mags'' approach to the
game has remained the same through the years. There is
still a determination to play with flair and in the spirit
of the running game. The team conducted itself with poise
and passion, both on and off the field.
In the years to come I feel
sure the team, the coaching staff and the many supporters
will occasionally reflect with much pride on the 2007
season.
Many thanks.
Roger Parker