Coach: Kynan Salt Team: Max Chi, Kieran Christey, Riley Diver, Tom Dunlop, Isaac Field, Joshua Hooker, Max Howard, Baxter Lamberg, Elliot Lee, Luka Legeay-Fisher, Carlos Parker, Rahal Pathirana, Andrew Welsh, James Whitaker, Raziel Zhao As one of College’s most entertaining and eventful teams, the U15B side was one to be proud of – and to watch out for in the future. Starting the year with a bunch of boys who included some new to the game resulted in several challenges, which the team overcame to improve and impress throughout the season. As a team, the boys started with the key fundamentals of football, trying to find space and working together to move the ball up the field. In early games, there was a tremendous comeback against Halswell United, with College scoring twice in the final minutes to win 2–1. The boys showed strength in all areas of play. From the disciplined and tall defence to the rapidly fast attack, all the boys played a role in the team’s success throughout the season. After early losses to St Bede’s College and Christchurch Boys’ High School (CBHS), along with constant changes at goalkeep, the boys went back to training, determined to improve and beat these teams later in the season. Among the season highlights were an away match against CBHS, with College putting up a tremendous fight to score early goals, aided by the fast attack of Carlos Parker, Riley Diver, and power man Rahal Pathirana. The boys showed disciplined defence to hold out the opposition for most of the game, strongly backed by goalkeeper Elliot Lee. While College did not come away with the win, it was was an impressive showing as the boys put up a remarkable fight against a team that they had previously lost to, 9–0. College ended the season against St Bede’s College, with most players scoring for an emphatic 13–0 win. It was testament to the boys’ versatility, determination and hard work throughout the season. Overall,
the tougher CUDL A league, and the top CUDL B team. In the standout match, College lost to Christchurch United, who would top the CUDL A league. However, College players rose to the occasion, defending well and using the ball intelligently for several spells. Missed scoring opportunities changed the balance of the game, allowing United to defend its lead. It was the best display of desire to win and footballing knowledge to date. Nicholas Sharr’s presence in midfield was of huge importance and a sign he would become the 2021 15A MVP. Midway through the season, the league was divided into two tiers, with teams retaining their points and positions. While College was at the bottom of the table at this point, the team’s dedication to their development as footballers was impressive. This was exemplified by Finlay Sharpe, who demonstrated consistent commitment and improvement, and appropriately was awarded the Footballers’ Footballer award for 15A. With the benefit of time, fitness, and a more developed footballing comprehension under the guidance of Warren Dunick, the team began to look more complete. The last two matches in the Covid-19-shortened season were won by College. The final game – against Cashmere – was the most satisfying, with a penalty goal powerfully struck by Jack Slater while Jake Hayes in goal was pivotal in ensuring a clean sheet. The previous game was won on home turf, 4–0, against FC Twenty, who frustratingly kept College to a 4–4 draw earlier in the season. Although this left College third in the CUDL B league, the team had expected to end the season with more success. Played 10 Won 2 Lost 7 Draw 1 Place 3rd, 15th Grade CUDL B
College can be proud of these accomplishments and individual progress – both on and off the field. William Bell Manager U14A FOOTBALL Manager: Josh Kim Coach: Kevin Guttmann Team: Freddie Coates (captain), Ollie Biggs, Tomas Coberger, Tasman Daly, Nikau Davies, Ollie Gormack, Max Johnson, Ben Laing, Mark Reidie, Ben Rookes, Alex Rutherford, Oscar Talbot, Fletcher Tapper (MVP), Ollie Walker (Players’ Player), Daniel Wilson, James Wood The Christ’s College U14A team had a successful season in 2021, competing in Division One. Up until the abrupt end to the season because of Covid-19, the U14 players represented themselves and the school wonderfully, playing positive, attacking football and observing the core values of College – both on and off the pitch. After the initial period of learning and adjusting to a new playing style, the boys kicked off the campaign with confidence, harbouring cautious optimism of finishing in the top three. The U14s made a promising start to the season with a comfortable 2–0 win at home against Halswell United. Right from kick-off, the boys dominated much of the ball, dictating the rhythm, and creating big opportunities to put College ahead. Ollie Biggs opened the score sheet at the 23rd minute of the first half and Tasman Daly – after hitting the post twice – was finally able to put the match to rest. However, as the season progressed, heavy rainfall and flooding brought the season to a halt. Classroom whiteboard sessions were held in lieu of competitive matches and training, which allowed the boys to develop a greater understanding of match tactics, principles of pressing, transitions, attacking combinations, and positional awareness. One of the few positives to come out this season is the notable development not only in terms of their fitness, and
U15B FOOTBALL Manager: William Bell
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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