WHAT WENT ON June 5 - 6

Mercantile Squash
The squash is getting better and better each week! Despite suffering a defeat this round, Smithy Motorcycles remain firmly on top of the ladder after going down to Pickering Cabinet Makers. The biggest mover of the week was Racquet Squad All Hui, whose emphatic victory over Slort Sports has propelled them into third place and right in the thick of the title race. With the competition now just over halfway through and three round-robin matches remaining, the race for the top spots is incredibly tight. The top seven teams are separated by just 13 points, making it anyone's game as the season heads towards the business end.

The match of the round featured two of the competition's rising young stars, Jodie from Emergency Smash Services and Greta from The Wishing Stars. In a thrilling contest that went right down to the wire, Greta edged out Jodie by only a few points to claim a hard-fought victory. With every point proving crucial, the remaining rounds promise plenty of excitement as teams battle for finals positions.

Farmlands bt. Pensioners 12 - 6
Racket Squad All Hui bt. Slort Sports 15 - 3
Emergency Smash Services bt. The Wishing Stars 13 - 12
Pickering Cabinet Makers bt. Smithy Motorcycles 15 - 9

Junior Rugby
A mix of matches spread between the usual Lambton Square and Nuhaka Domain, as Nuhaka Sports & Recreation Club held their club day on Saturday. Thanks to Nuhaka for hosting us and always giving us a great game. Here's the scores:

Rippa
Athletic Black (4) vs Nuhaka (9)
Athletic White (7) vs Tapuae Rossco's (6)
Athletic Stripes (8) vs Tapuae Deano's (6)

Junior
Athletic Storm (15) vs Wairoa Primary School (11)
Athletic Warriors (13) vs Nuhaka (13)

Primary
Athletic (7) vs Nuhaka (15)

 Senior Netball
Osler's Bakery & Cafe Athletic Black secured a hard-fought 31–22 victory over Tapuae Te Rauhina on 6 June. With player numbers running low, the team was grateful to have Samantha Luka and Oriwia Taylor step in and assist, helping ensure the team could take the court. The game was a physical contest from the opening whistle, with plenty of body-on-body contact from both sides. Athletic Black found themselves down early, and the first half felt slightly unsettled as the team worked to find its rhythm and combinations on court. Despite the challenging start, the team remained determined and continued to work together. In the second half, Athletic Black found its groove, settled into its game plan, and began playing with greater confidence and consistency. Once the team established its flow, they were able to build momentum and take control of the match, leading to a strong finish and a well-earned victory. Final score: Athletic Black (31) vs Tapuae Te Rauhina (22)

Osler's Bakery & Cafe Athletic White took on Matākainga i Te Tihi. Following the long King’s Birthday weekend break, it took us a little while to shake off the holiday mode and find our rhythm. Despite trailing at the end of the first quarter, the team remained positive and kept spirits high. The second quarter saw us settle into the game, with Sarah Spicer and centre Ebony Rore combining well through the midcourt. Defensively, Grace Cooney put into practice the skills worked on at Thursday night’s training, producing some outstanding defensive efforts. A big thank you to Clare Cvitanovich for stepping in and helping the team until Ana Nohotima was available. We were also excited to see Ana make her debut in the final quarter, bringing fresh legs and energy onto the court. Courtney Hayward applied relentless pressure to the opposition shooters and was rewarded with several well-earned turnovers. This week’s Player Of the Day went to Grace Young for her defensive pressure, along with some stellar steals and interceptions against Matākainga i Te Tihi. A special thank you to our coach, Avon McCormack, for her continued support, guidance, and dedication to the team both at training and on game day. After a hard-fought battle, Athletic White came away with a thrilling 25–24 victory.

Senior Rugby
Charteris Choppers Athletic Rugby travelled to Nuhaka Sport & Recreation Club on Saturday for their Club Day. Athletic started the match strongly, producing some excellent defensive efforts throughout the first half. Athletic held firm for long periods, limiting Nuhaka to just two tries. Athletic's points came through the reliable boot of Wade Perrett, who slotted a penalty goal to keep Athletic within reach at the break. The second half saw Athletic come out with renewed energy, showcasing some impressive attacking rugby. Captain Will Taylor crossed the line after a well-worked team try, rewarding a sustained period of pressure. Athletic continued to challenge the home side, and Kasey Chemis added another try to keep the contest alive. Despite Wairoa’s determined performance and never-give-up attitude, Nuhaka proved too strong on the day, securing a 33-18 victory. Player of the Day points:
1. Kasey Chemis
2. Toby Calqhoun
3. Gabriel David

Thanks to Nuhaka for hosting us and putting on a great Club Day, we had a great time!

Pictured below: Nuhaka getting ready to pass with Charteris Choppers Athletic Rugby on the defence.

Senior Football
QRS Athletic Football traveled to Gisborne's Childers Road to take on Pro Roofing Thistle, still looking for their first win for the year. The boys have been putting in the work to build towards this and its showing in bits and pieces of our game, which is still a work in progress. Athletic started well, having a few good attacking opportunities but Thistle's defence was pure class, keeping us scoreless. Thistle had taken a well-executed lucky shot from the side which managed to hit both side bars and somehow, defying physics, managed to go in. Halftime score: 1-0 to Thistle. Thistle started the second half capitalising on multiple quick errors to take a demanding 3-0 lead. The boys in black fought to the very end trying to get a goal for the good effort they put in, but to no avail. Final score was Thistle (3) vs Athletic (0). Player of the Day: Andrew Langdon.

We were disappointed to let that game slip but very eager to turn it around this Saturday as we look forward to hosting Shockers Marist.