SPORT Football
After a few disrupted years, football got through a full season of games, tournaments and competitions. A wet patch in the middle of the season meant things got shuffled around, but all games were played. There was plenty of action on the pitch and some great team and individual performances highlighted in the various team reports. It was a pleasure to see College teams in action. We can be proud of the way all the players, coaches, managers and supporters have been out there “doing football”. College had slightly fewer boys playing football this year, with about 126 players making up eight teams. About 20 boys played a mixture of club and school football – our largest number to date. The Mainland club competition, played on Saturdays, featured the Ravens, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 15A, 14A and 14B teams, playing in their respective divisions. The 1st XI continued in the Mainland Schools Premier Competition, as well as making the National Premier Tournament in Napier. The Junior XI continued to play the top junior division of the Wednesday schools competition. While we continued our memorandum of understanding with the Ferrymead Bays Football Club, this collaboration was primarily about the sharing of coaching, with Ollie Hawkins, the Ferrymead development officer, continuing as 1st XI coach. Several 1st XI players were selected for the Ferrymead Bays Reserves team as the season progressed. Results varied, with some teams performing consistently and others up and down. Some teams struggled early before rallying mid-season, then battled again through the last few games. Others started
strongly, but could not maintain the momentum, and some teams remained steady throughout. The final league standings were probably a fair reflection of this, with every one of the Saturday teams finishing mid-table or slightly better. The 14A and 15A teams only missed out on top-two spots by the smallest margins. The Junior XI group made good progress throughout the year, but again slipped up at crucial times. After finishing top of its league, the team lost in the semi-final, to finish 3rd. Likewise, during tournament week, the Junior XI team played exceptionally well before losing to Timaru Boys’ High School in the semi-final stage. The 1st XI also had an up and down season, finishing 5th in the Mainland Schools Premier League. The 0-0 draw with Christchurch Boys’ High School, blowing a two-goal lead against Shirley Boys’ High School and losing by one goal to St Bede’s College meant the 1st XI had a tough playoff draw against the eventual winner, Cashmere High School. After being given a wildcard entry to the National Premier Tournament, the team bounced back and exceeded its national ranking to finish the top South Island school and only narrowly lose the Bowl Final to Napier Boys’ High School in a penalty shootout. Results aside, it is the many special football moments that really makes each season unique. Perhaps it is seeing someone score their first goal for College; a veteran keeper pulling off some incredible saves; a team that has been battling getting its first win; an epic individual performance; or a fantastic play that belongs on a highlight reel – these are the moments that make football, football.
Whether the enthusiasm, enjoyment, and energy has been rewarded or not, these moments are why we love the game. None of the things mentioned above would be possible without the support of a wide range of people. First, thanks to our sponsors, Theo’s Fisheries, Phil Murfitt Orthodontist, Pacific Radiology, Heartland Technology, and Changing Lives, whose generosity and kindness help support football at College. Their contribution allows us to do things like purchase new goals, get additional coaches, support player development activities, and help replace kit and equipment. Then there are our amazing coaches and managers who are there week in and week out. As a school, we are very lucky to have such supportive, enthusiastic people looking after our teams. Ollie Hawkins, Ricardo Felitti, Kynan Salt, Jack Lindo, Tom Bailey, Finbar Gallaway, and Warren Dunick, along with the large number of College staff involved, all deserve our appreciation, thanks and congratulations on another very good season at the helm. We look forward to the 2023 season with optimism, and with things like a development trip to the United States and Canada, more tournaments and more football, we hope to continue to make progress on and off the field. Matt Cortesi MiC HOUSE COMPETITION WINNERS Senior: No competition Junior: Harper
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