Tornadoes Touch Team

By Rachel Smart | Posted: Saturday November 29, 2025
The Year 8 Boys Touch Team won the Dunedin Schools Touch final for the Year 7 and 8 Elite grade at the Kenzington Oval on Thursday 27 November.

Last Thursday the 27th November, the Tornadoes Touch Team put out a great performance against a tough Trinity side. It has been amazing to watch this group of athletes grow and improve this year.

Trinity was a team that we lost to in Term 1. They have some very talented players who were very capable of winning this final. Extra training last term for the Koru Games has helped to shape and gel a team who are now a 'star team' and not a 'team of stars'.

They have committed to trainings weekly and developed a culture whereby they play for one another and have each other's back. They support each other when mistakes are made and have learnt to stay calm and positive under pressure. The final was a testament to the hard work they have put in and they played their hearts out. There were some brilliant phases of defence and some outstanding tries scored to come out eventual winners 6-5.

I would also like to acknowledge Monty Lawton and Brody Whitfield who have trained with this squad consistently throughout the term. They could easily have slotted into this team if we had a injury as they spent time learning all the moves and policies and were confident and humble leaders within their own team. Having players of this calibre in the wings genuinely makes boys in the top team push for their position week in and week out. They are an important part of our greater squad. We thank you both for the contribution you have made and you have helped us to win this championship.

All the best to all the boys with your touch at your high school. I hope you all continue to play and would like to thank you for the fun and the quality touch you have played this year.

Finally, a big thank you to all the parents who have supported us this year. You have been amazing - always positive and friendly on the sidelines. Thanks for getting these guys to and from games on time and cheering them on. Your support is much appreciated.

Miss Smart (Tornadoes Touch Coach)