Last week I had a rare insight into the highs and lows of a sports team chasing success and glory when I stayed three nights with the Bay of Plenty Boxing team at the Boxing New Zealand National Championships held in Rotorua.

Early morning on day one at the Nationals is always two hours of frantic activity as the 160 competitors went through the doctors' medical and weigh in.
Next up is probably the most vital part of the three days of competition; when the draws for the various grades are made. With unseeded draws in all boxing tournaments – the two best boxers in a weight class can meet in the first round of competition.
Coach Chris Walker was reasonably happy with the draws of his four-strong team of contenders – although heavyweight hope, Dave Aloua-Rogers, would have to get past the NZ number one, followed by the defending champion to reach the final.
First into the ring was middleweight Gunnar Jackson, who lost a close decision to a Waikato boxer. After taking the lead into the third and final round he was pipped at the post to then become Team Bay of Plenty's chief supporter.
Later on day one, Aloua-Roger made his entrance against then current New Zealand number one, James Emerson, who also lives in Tauranga but fought for the Central North Island team.
A cut eye sustained by Emerson late in first round ended what shaped to be a great fight. Next up, the Tauranga Boxing Club member, had an engagement with the defending national heavyweight champion.
Bay of Plenty's youngest boxer made a grand debut in his first national's attempt. Fourteen year old Shane Murphy went three rounds against the eventual champion – losing a narrow points decision.
Day two, saw the Bay teams five time New Zealand women's champion Kelly Woolrich go after further championship glory. The plan in the lightweight semi-final encounter was a good three round workout, however, Kelly was too strong and the bout ended in round one.
The fight of the tournament was provided in heavyweight semi-final, when Dave Aloua-Rogers faced off against current national titleholder Yamiko Chinula from Canterbury. The three rounder had the crowd on its feet in what was a real slugfest.
The ascendancy changed several times before the Bay of Plenty pugilist threw plenty of heavy leather in round three to result in the Canterbury team throwing in the towel.
Day three dawned with two Bay of Plenty fighters chasing gold medals in Saturday night's finals showcase. First up was the pairs third early morning call to the daily weigh-ins and medical examinations. A quiet day of relaxation and mental preparation ensued before the final journey back to the Sports Centre.
First up was Kelly Woolrich's quest for a sixth national title. Standing in her way was Waikato's Eske Dost, who had also won gold at previous nationals.
The final stanza over four two-minute rounds was certainly the best women's contest of the2009 Nationals. However, Kelly led throughout to take a points decision and become the New Zealand Lightweight Champion for 2009.
Because of the unseeded draw, Dave Aloua-Rogers final against Joel Marsters from Rotorua, had all the hallmarks of a one sided contest. After Dave dominated the first round, the Central North Island corner threw in the towel in round two.
With the gold medal around his neck, the Tauranga boxer could reflect on his three year journey to the most prestigious title in New Zealand amateur boxing. A stunning debut in the 2006 Nationals in Rotorua, which resulted in a silver medal, was followed by two successive semi-final defeats. This time it was the ultimate prize and the likelihood of international representation.