University sports teams take the 2022 Shield

The 2022 National Tertiary Championship Series drew to a close with the University of Auckland taking the ultimate student sporting accolade for the sixth year in a row.

Shield holders 2022, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Results of the final three championship events saw the overall lead on the championship table swapping between the universities of Canterbury and Auckland, with Canterbury heading into the final event two points clear. It was Waipapa Taumata Rau however that clinched the overall championship series title after claiming gold at the National Tertiary Netball Championships in Wellington.

Associate Director Campus Life, Sport and Recreation, Sean Smith said that 2022 was an exciting year of sport.

“We are thrilled to retain the Shield and thanks go to all students, athletes, coaches, managers, sport staff and others involved in helping to coordinate and make the tournaments such a huge success.

“Congratulations to Otago and Canterbury for finishing in the medals and being in the hunt for the win right up to the last tournament of the championship. We’re glad to have UTSNZ Tertiary sports tournaments back after a tough couple of years,” he said.

The University retained the title of overall National Tertiary Champions and the coveted Shield following championship wins in Badminton, Ultimate and Netball. These titles added to an impressive scoresheet for the year including runner’s up in women’s Futsal and men’s Basketball, plus bronze medal position in the men’s Futsal championship.