Week One of the McDonald’s Thompson and Whelan Trophy Competitions officially tips off tonight, though we have had competition already in the final weeks of Term Two, as St. Bede’s and St. Andrew’s Colleges won the right to join Division I of the #McDSTT competition.

 

Hillmorton High looks to be one of the teams to beat in Division II, accounting for Papanui 69-56 last week, and Last year’s beaten Whelan Finalists demolished St. Margaret’s 81-28 last night.

 

Christchurch Boys’ High hosts the first ever Dowson Cup game at 6pm against St. Bede’s, in what is expected to be a very tight game, while Middleton and Cashmere again open their season against each other’s Thompson Trophy Teams (Middleton Grange at 6pm). Other 6pm games include the Catholic battle of faith between St Thomas and Cathedral College (that will take place in the new STC gym) and Rangi Ruru looking to start the season off well against the Cashmere Girls. At 5:15pm Riccarton has an improved Ellesmere team vsiting.

 

If you’re after two games in one venue, we have a slate of doubleheaders set to tip off at 5:15pm and 7:00pm: St Andrew’s hosting the Avonside Lady Eagles and Shirley Spartans; Ashburton facing off against Ellesmere and Christ’s College; Lincoln has visits from Villa Maria in their first ever game, and Hornby High; and newcomers in both genders, Kaiapoi, host the Middleton girls and Linwood boys. Burnside High school has Rangiora coming to play in both genders – the Whelan game tipping off at 6pm, and the Thompson at 7:30pm.

 

Whelan Picks:

Ashburton; Burnside CGHS; Lincoln; Middleton; Rangi Ruru; StAC

 

Thompson Picks:

Burnside; CBHS; Christ’s; Hillmorton; Hornby; Linwood; Middleton; Riccarton; Shirley; STC