At the end of the term, College played Marlborough Boys’ College in Renwick, and the home team made the most of the play to run out the winner, 29–13. At the end of the holidays, College returned to winning ways with a good 32–12 win over Rangiora High School. The traditional match against St Andrew’s College was played at the Christchurch club ground – a fitting venue given the close association of both schools with the club. In a match where the lead changed seven times, College appeared to have secured the win after an outstanding individual try from 50 metres by Hopo Leota. However, StAC mounted a late challenge that secured the win, 31–27, in spite of one last drive from College that went unrewarded. The final round robin match of the season was away to Timaru Boys’ High School. Playing in atrocious conditions, TBHS held on to win, 22–19. A mixed set of results through the season confined the team to play in the Plate post-season matches.
College played well to beat Aoraki Combined 43–5 and then put in another good performance to finish the season with a win over Selwyn Combined, 42–14. Injury and illness took their toll on the team through the season, especially among the Year 13 players whose experience was missed at crucial times. Jack Smith had a frustrating season as captain with injury and Covid-19 impacting on his ability to play at his best. The loss of Ollie Shore and Jackson Thomas to shoulder injuries early in the season took a great deal of experience out of the back division, and experienced lock Liam Jack’s foot injury resulted in his contribution being reduced to only six appearances. On the positive side, other senior players stepped up. Callum Summerfield scored more than 100 points for the second season in a row and was awarded the Hobbs Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to the 1st XV. Jayden Sa took on a real leadership role in the forwards and was voted the Players’ Player of the Year. Ash Cassidy played every match of the season, while
Benji Ward was always an attacking threat from fullback. Hopo Leota, Ethan Jones and Tom Thyne were significant contributors as Year 12 players, with Hopo being awarded the 1st XV Player of the Year trophy. There also were strong contributions from newcomers, and Year 11 players, Benji Nation and Frankie Meates. Student assistant manager Kosuke Hashimoto made a wonderful contribution to the team, as did the long-term injured players, Ollie Shore and Jackson Thomas. It was pleasing to see them able to contribute to their team. Four players were selected for the Junior Crusaders’ team – Jayden Sa, Liam Jack, Hopo Leota and Callum Summerfield. In a remarkable return from injury, Liam Jack was selected for the NZ Schools team and played in the match against Fiji Schools.
Miles Toyota Championship results vs Shirley Boys’ High School draw 30–30 vs Waimea Combined won 42–7
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Register 2022 Sport
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