NCD schools league completes 2021 season with finals

THE National Capital District Schools Rugby League competition completed its 2021 season on Friday with teams across 12 schools playing their finals at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
League administration officer Desmond Hahepa told The National yesterday that the finals were for the Under-14s, U16s and U18s with representative schools from the city’s three electorates taking part.
“We had 14 games that ran from our U14s all the way to our U18s which is the only division now that has boys and girls groups,” Hahepa said.
“Motu-Koita was unable to field a team in the girls division, so we had students from Kilakila Secondary filling in for the U18 final.
“It has been a tough year for most of the schools taking part with the Coronavirus pandemic affecting much of our season.
“Most of the schools had been prepared all year, so we were happy to see them play their finals before the year ended.”
The U16 grand final saw Ted Diro Primary School take out the top honours with hooker McKenzie John scoring a double to help his side beat St Therese 8-4.
John picked up the first points of the match five minutes in with Ted Diro managing to hold off their opponents for a 4-0 lead at halftime.
St Therese responded early in the second half with second-rower Steven James bursting through to level the scores at 4-4. A stroke of brilliance from John in the last two minutes saw him find space on their right edge to cross over and win the final for Ted Diro.