THE sound of the Kiwi haka was heard at the Altona Basketball Stadium recently, as the Altona Gator juniors took part in their first international competition against New Zealand’s St Patricks College.

There was nothing to fear though, as the friendly matches between the Gators’ Junior boys (Under, 14, 16 and 18/Youth League) played against New Zealand’s reigning National Secondary School Champions on their sixth tour of Australia.

“This was our first time playing the Altona Gators,” the college’s deputy rector and international student manager Wayne Mills said.

“We have been the National Secondary School Champions in New Zealand for the last two years.

“Our trips to Australia are an integral part of our basketball program. We find the competition in Australia of a high standard and find these tours excellent for the development of our players.”