following results: • The 2nds came from a 45–5
2nd XV. Dreams of an upset victory against top-seed CBHS 2nds in the semi-final were dashed by Covid-19. However, the boys could look back on a season where much was learnt under the tutelage of hugely experienced and wise coaches. Many thanks to Rory Swanson for his physio and medical assistance, and to the parents who supported the team so loyally in all conditions. Captain – Reilly Reed MVP – Jaiden Beer Most Improved Forward – George Clarke Most Improved Back – Hanjun Kim Jack Bristed Award for Best and Fairest – Hanjun Kim Rob Donaldson Manager U15A RUGBY Manager: Ben Huston Coach: Tom Meates, Mike Smith, Shun Miyake Team: George Austin (captain), Beau Armstrong, James Barker- McMillan, Sam Chittock, Murphy Dargue, Alexander De Luca, George Grace, Bede Hamilton, Matty Hickman, Felix Huston, Will Judd, Sven Lamberg-Downie, Armani Lemalu, Hopo Leota, Frankie
Meates, Benji Nation, Wills Ockwell, PJ Palamo, Josh Ratulomai, Tom Rawstron, Albie Roberts, Rico Steere, Max Topham, Archie Whithear The U15A team had a great year, qualifying for the trophy final. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, College was unable to play the final and shared the trophy. There were many highlights in the season – from beating Otago Boys’ High School in the exchange game to coming back from 19–0 at half-time to beat Christchurch Boys’ High School U15A 21–19, and then beating St Bede’s College in comprehensive fashion, 41–10, in the semi-final. The team grew in confidence throughout the season and was led extremely well by No. 8 and captain George Austin and vice- captain and 2nd-five Armani Lemalu. Felix Huston ran the team well from No. 10 and the dynamic front row forwards of Hopo Leota, Josh Ratulomai and the fantastic hooker pairing of Max Topham and Beau Armstrong provided a competitive advantage. The team used sound rugby and good tactical awareness to beat other teams who relied on pure athletic ability. The U15A team developed a fantastic culture, which began to influence the style of rugby the boys played towards the end of the season. Unlike other teams, Christ College had only one U15 team in the grade in 2021, making its achievement even more remarkable. The future of College rugby is bright with so many quality people coming through the system. The squad will train hard and push for honours in the 1st XV and 2nd XV in 2022. The team was coached by Tom Meates, Mike Smith and Shun Miyake, and managed by Ben Huston. The team also benefitted from the awesome support crew of families and friends. Ben Huston Manager
defeat in the first game against the CBHS 3rds in May to a 23–23 draw about a month later • After losing substantially against CBHS 2nds in the first game, the 2nds were very competitive in the second game, with the score tied 5–5 at half-time and a final score of 19–5 to CBHS. • After a 24–5 loss against St Bede’s College 2nds, the margin was only 8–3 in the second game. We put St Bede’s College under a lot of pressure and came very close to scoring the winning points. At one point, the team suffered from lapses in performance in the second half, which resulted in comfortable leads being badly eroded. However, with a renewed focus on strong defensive training, this trend was reversed, and the boys ended the season strongly against St Thomas of Canterbury College 2nds, 38–12, with strong efforts in both halves. In some ways, this was the most complete performance of the season and, as it happened, it was the last game of the season – so we finished on a strong note. Victories: Two against Cashmere High School 1st XV, and two against St Thomas of Canterbury College
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