Pool: Waitara student crowned NZ champ

Will Johnston 

Waitara High School head boy Blake Burnard has been crowned the Clubs New Zealand Junior 8 Ball singles champion.  

Held at the Richmond Club in Christchurch recently, Burnard, 17, competed against 40 of the country's top juniors. The tournament is the pinnacle event for Clubs New Zealand and a stepping stone for aspiring players.  

He continues a long history of New Plymouth Club players claiming the title including Adam Lilley (twice) and Des Wilcox. 

“Winning the Clubs New Zealand Juniors was awesome and a major goal I can now tick off,” he said.  

“I’m very proud and lucky to represent my hometown of Waitara; it’s where both my mum and dad were born, but a major part of this win goes to the New Plymouth Club. Over the past few years, they have provided me with a lot of support and guidance.”  

While he has represented the club in many tournaments, he has also represented the Waitara S & C Club.   

Burnard played 14-year-old Uaine Peneli (Richmond) in the final of the tournament. The 2023 Canterbury Junior champion swept through the field in his maiden appearance in the tournament. But Burnard held on to win 5-3 to claim the silverware

During the tournament, Burnard beat Jacob Thompson, also from the New Plymouth Club, 3-1 in the round of 16, then Max Freeman (Richmond) 4-1 in the quarter-final and Genesis Tagaioa (Swanson) 4-0 in the semi-final. 

The tournament's biggest upset was nine-year-old Tyson Argus of the Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club beating favourite Riley James of Waikanae 3-2 in the quarter-final.  

Burnard’s coach, Jimmy Henry, said all of his hard work and long hours practicing had finally paid off.  

Earlier this year, Burnard was named in the Masse VNEA New Zealand Junior under-21 team. The team will compete in the Junior World Championships in Sioux City, Iowa, USA in July.  

“I’m excited to be part of the Masse New Zealand Junior team and really appreciate everything they have done for me,” Burnard said.  

He has also been selected in the Sport Taranaki-run Future Champions programme. The remaining athletes will be released in due course.