Dunstan High School kayak polo teams are recovering after a ripper of a weekend in Oamaru competing at the South Island Secondary Schools competition.

They faced very strong competition from well resourced and excellent teams.  We are delighted to share that every single paddler came home with a medal. A huge congratulations to the Junior team who played outstandingly all weekend, won every game and brought home Gold. They came from behind in their final game against St Andrews to win by 1 goal. We couldn't be more proud of Sam Collier, Cohen Anderson, Colter Yule, Spike Hayvice, Benjamin Winter, Isla Hiscock and Milly Gillespie. This win qualifies them to attend the national competition in the North Island later in the year. The Senior Team dug deep when it mattered and had a nail-biter of a bronze medal match that went to extra time in a "next goal wins" playoff. They snatched victory from Middleton Grange after 3 minutes and multiple turnovers with strong defence and and attacking composure. Great work Cooper Lerew, Taine Liddell, Max Meissel, James Bromby, Eli Knights, Lochy Hawkins and Will Gillespie.

The Senior Girls team really brought the energy on final day to bring home bronze. Well done Maddy Mannix, Adeline Ball, Isla Hiscock, Milly Gillespie and Olivia Kingipotiki.  Milly, Isla and Olivia also joined with 2 players from Cashmere Girls to form a team in the Junior girls section and brought home silver. These girls showed strength, skill and determination and thrived in the opportunity to play in all-girls matches. A massive final congratulations to Eli Knights who very much deserved the honour of being selected for the tournament team comprising of the best players from all teams over the 3 days of competition. Many thanks to coach Ian Knights and the entire Central Otago Whitewater community for their ongoing commitment and development of our kayaking stars.