The most eagerly awaited contest of the year had finally arrived. Bragging rights of being the best football team in Northbourne were at stake, whilst picking up the coveted Golden Ball – this was the 20th edition of our traditional Super Sunday!
On a dark and damp afternoon, alongside a poignant ‘Minute Silence’ to remember our fallen on Remembrance Sunday, the first football matches were played between the 1st Team and The Staff Cavaliers, plus the Dads and The Old Boys Alumni team. These fixtures were a combination of some serious footballing talent! At the final whistle of these two games, the Mighty Staff run out as victors, with the Dads securing a surprise but well deserved win against the Old Boys.
Next in line, the Dads took up the challenge against the Noble Staff, with the Old Boys reliving their 1st XI memories of yesteryear by playing against the 1st Team.
After two terrific matches, the Mighty Staff defeated the Parents, with the Old Boys securing a thankful win against the 1st Team.
So then, still all to play for in the afternoon’s final round of fixtures, with much needed oxygen in short supply among the adult teams!!
Despite going down 2-0 early on to the Old Boys, the Galant Staff picked themselves up and fought to back to earn a very nervy and tremendously exciting 4-3 win. With this game hanging in the balance for most of the fixture, the Old Boys possibly were fearing a detention if they defeated the Staff Caballeros!! The Dads then went on to complete their afternoon of fun with victory over the 1st Team.
Meanwhile on the Astro turf, the ladies were battling it out for netball greatness. A talented Alumni girls team won all three of their matches, followed by the Mums’ team who won two out of three. Our dedicated NPS Staff team played out of their socks as did the newly appointed Under-13 girls team. Everyone played with excellent sportsmanship and camaraderie on the court. Thanks to all players who made it out on Sunday!
The match tea and presentation that followed was a great social and special NPS event that was enjoyed by all. The Staff Stars lifted the Golden Football to great applause – champions for a seventeenth year!! The Alumni girls lifted the Golden Netball – champions for another year!!
Yet again, the entire afternoon demonstrated the special magic and incredible community spirit that flows and ebbs through every fibre of the School and all those who are associated with it. The afternoon was a great success with some competitive football on display, plus fun and tremendous fellowship.
The 1st XI boys should be proud of their performances and were once again a credit to the School.
Lastly, a big thank you must go to Mark and the maintenance team for their tireless efforts in preparing the football pitches and netball courts, to the kitchen staff for the superb match teas, all of the Northbourne Staff, the current NPS teams, the parents and Alumni who played, and of course all supporters, both parents and children. Well done and here’s hoping for the same tremendous event next year.
(As told by Mr & Mrs Riley)
