College win Auckland Theatresports Championship

The College Premier Theatresports team, Team Squid,’ defeated Dilworth, Northcote and Epsom Girls Grammar in the Auckland Youth Theatresports Grand Final on Friday at Dilworth School. In a night of inspired comic genius, where they often dominated the games, they were finally crowned the 2014 Auckland Youth Theatresports Champions, a title that was so close last year.

‘We knew after last year’s final that we needed to control the key moments and get in front on the scoreboard early. I thought Tate Steel, as captain, was spectacular in this regard. There were times that the MC, a highly regarded comedian in Auckland, could do nothing but stand back in awe.’ shared team coach, Mr Dave Sheehan, after the game.

Fellow coach, Mrs Faharquarson added, ‘We all took it hard, losing last year’s Grand Final by a point. We worked even harder throughout the season this year to cover our bases and on the night we played at our best.’

Saint Kentigern last won the Champions Trophy in 2009 under Mrs Bishop’s leadership. They have been in a number of Grand Finals since but were pipped each time.

Apart from Tate’s excellent captaincy and superb wit as a ‘key moment’ player, Mitchell Fissenden, was a physical ‘impact’ player whose style of Theatresports is reminiscent of the classic Seinfield character, Cosmo Kramer. Cameron Teare was hilarious and Python-esque, playing a range of stunning characters, including a multiple personality husband and wife. Carlos Webster was a charming, clever and very generous team player; one of Carlos’ highlights was giving birth to Mitchell and Cameron (as twins) in the game of the night about ‘a day in the life of a midwife.’ This was a scene for which Team Squid scored 8+8+7 (out of a possible 10) from each of the three judges, virtually closing the other teams out of the competition before half time. The final scores were: Saint Kentigern 85, Dilworth 74, Epsom Girls and Northcote College 71.

Well done to the team and their coaches. They would like to accord their thanks to Mr Duncan McQueen who has been their most ardent supporter throughout the season.