Bringing Home the Medals

Northland Boccia team members made a real impression at this years Auckland Focus Cup and congratulations go to Andrew Phillips and Mandy Slade who brought home bronze medals from the Australian Boccia Nationals in Melbourne. 

Australian Boccia Nationals Melbourne 3 - 6 July

CONGRATULATIONS go to Northland Boccia representatives Andrew Phillips (Bay of Islands) & Mandy Slade (Waitakere) who took out the bronze medal in the BC3 Pairs @ the Aussie Nationals. This followed Mandy’s individual bronze in the BC3 grade. AWESOME stuff!!!  Well done Mandy & Andrew.

Auckland Focus Cup 30 June - 1 July

Northland Boccia made a significant impression at this year’s Auckland Focus Cup (30 June & 1 July) with a large contingent of 12 athletes competing in 4 grades and “beautifully” attired in their new uniform (Thanks to Pub Charity, Bethells Uniforms & Stitches Embroidery.)

The Team members were: Alex Dickson Andrew Phillips, Annie Wihongi, Anthony Washbrook, Becky Haslam, Bryan Robinson, Chris Keay, Howard Langford, Kimberley McLean, Michelle Batchelor, Neale Batchelor, Mandy Slade.  Andrew Phillips only competed on Day one before flying out to Melbourne for the Australian Nationals starting tomorrow (Tuesday). Mandy Slade flew out today with the New Zealand squad and will join Andrew at the tournament. We wish them both the Best of Luck.

Six Northland Boccia representatives made it through to the finals rounds being (10 year old) Alex Dickson, Becky Haslam, Bryan Robinson, Michelle Batchelor, Neale Batchelor and Mandy Slade.

Annie Wihongi competed very strongly and only narrowly missed making her first finals in a major tournament. Alex and Becky took out 4th placings, Bryan Robinson a bronze in the Open grade and Mandy Slade showed her class yet again with a gold in the BC3 grade.

The absolute stars of the tournament were husband and wife, Michelle and Neale Batchelor who both won gold in their respective grades (Kiwi & Open) with Neale also taking out the coveted sportsmanship trophy for “Best and Fairest”. A fantastic achievement and performance by these two who are only into their second year of boccia and for Michelle her first tournament medal.

Warmest congratulations are extended to all our athletes and sincerest thanks to our tremendous support team and officials for their magnificent contributions. Northland Boccia also acknowledges Oxford Sports Trust for funding assistance for motel accommodation.

Northland Boccia now moves into preparation mode to host the 2007 North Island Regionals on 4 an 5 August @ the Genesis Energy Kensington Stadium, ASB Leisure Centre, Whangarei.

Karen Connolly Northland Boccia Association