Discs were flying across the Bruce Pulman Arena on Sunday as over 150 students took to the courts at the 2023 AKSS Indoor Ultimate Championships (Open Division). Seventeen teams with various levels of experience entered the competition and the early rounds saw some big margins as teams found their level in the event.
However, by the quarter finals the top teams were fiercely competitive, with the Pakuranga College v Epsom Girls Grammar School game going to overtime before EGGS scored the game-winner. The Epsom Girls Grammar team deserve a huge amount of credit for a great performance – their five NZ Under 20 representatives forming a team to take on the mixed and boys teams from other schools and placing 4th overall. They will start as heavy favourite’s in the Girls Tournament in two weeks time.
The final saw a familiar match-up with two teams who regularly compete in school ultimate finals battling it out for the 2023 title – Westlake Boys High School v Auckland Grammar School. In the end, Auckland Grammar School’s top team proved their skill, team work and experience, claiming another 2023 title to go with their AKSS Outdoor and NZSS Ultimate victories.
Ultimate is a self-refereed sport, which makes the Spirit of the Game Award an important recognition of the team most dedicated to playing competitively but within the rules and with respect for their opposition – and Botany Downs Maroon took out this year’s award. Curtis Marsh from Westlake Boys High School was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award- voted on by players at the event.
Winner: Auckland Grammar School
2nd Place: Westlake Boys High School
Spirit of the Game: Botany Downs Secondary College Maroon
Most Valuable Player: Curtis Marsh (Westlake Boys High School)