The first of our junior prizegivings was held on Monday night, celebrating the success and growth in our girls grades.

Pakuranga fielded an Under 15 Rip, Under 15 tackle and Under 17 tackle team this year in girls grades, and Monday night was all about recognising those players and management set to play a big role in the future of women’s rugby at the Ranga.

For the Under 15 Emeralds, who played rip rugby this season, Eme Purcell was recognised as Most Valuable Player, Casey Lawson was most improved, and Zoe Wong received the sportsmanship award.

Zoe played her first year ever of rugby in 2024.

“Zoe was a constant at training and games and played many years above her age. She took it all in her stride, with a positive mindset and attitude and continues to go from strength to strength.

The Keas, our Under 15 tackle team, won the Junior clubs’ Spirit Cup for the team showing the most improvement. Their team awards went to Jade McDonald for Most Improved, Ailini Kaho for Forward of the year and Olivia Penman-Gates for Back of the Year.

Sophie Michael won the Most Dedicated Player in Under 15s and Zaylee Herbst was recognised with Under 15 Outstanding Sportsmanship.

Ailini was one of many stars in the Keas.

“Ailini made her presence felt wherever she went. With barnstorming line breaks and a knack for some outstanding offloads, she was regular at the centre of opposition problems. She has a bright future ahead of her and continues to take everything in her stride with a big smile.”

The Under 17 Jadez were a force in 2024. Their team awards saw Ava Mckean-Ross named Most Improved, Eden Mika the Forward of the Year and Tayla Peters the Back of the Year.

Eden was also a member of the Belles AND was selected for the Auckland Thunder and Auckland Under 18s.

“With the havoc she regularly made on a Friday night, you can tell Eden has had multiple years at open grade level and really stamping her mark on staying ahead of where she needs to be.”

Shayla Savelio was named as the Under 17 Outstanding Sportsmanship, and Uaina Lefau the Under 17 Outstanding Sportsmanship, the first of several awards she claimed.

Uaina won the Junior rugby Owen Spalding Trophy for overall commitment, dedication, attitude, attendance, leadership and skill level both on and off the field, as well as the Abby Lockhart Trophy for Female Player of the Year.

“Uaina becomes the first player to etch her name on Abby Lockhart Trophy twice and solidifies her position in being one of the most promising junior players to come through the PURC doors. A perfect mix of natural talent & high work ethic, Uaina’s unwavering effort and high moral compass, holds her in great shape to reach the elite level in sport.”

Off-field the Jadez management was recognised with John Christie receiving the 3rd Grade Trophy of 1982 for development and instruction of rugby skills. 
 

Article added: Friday 06 September 2024