SPORT A season of ‘firsts’ for 1st XI
The 1st XI football team had a remarkable season in the 1st XI Premier Schools’ Competition. Across all games, it compiled an impressive record, played some excellent football and achieved a number of ‘firsts’. Recognised for fair play, sportsmanship and performance and the best finish ever by College, the 1st XI just fell short of the title in the School Premier football competition at English Park.
Beaten 1–2 by St Bede’s College, College scored early, with Charlie Cameron finishing a well-taken corner. Despite quality phases of play and close calls, College could not seal the game. Gabriel Gallaway went close and Caleb Manson found plenty of space on attack, with co-captain Kosei Oikawa a key figure in many of College's chances. Caleb Palmer was solid on defence in the midfield, but the team missed the organisation of New Zealand Secondary Schools U19 representative Daniel Metherell, who was ruled out with injury.
The loss ended a fantastic season in which the 1st XI was unbeaten in 12 league games, won – and then defended – the Connetics Shield for the entire season, conceded just six goals to top the league and also won the Mainland Referees Jubilee Cup for the team of the year in terms of fair play, sportsmanship and performance. It was the first time that College had made the 1st XI premier final, so finishing runner-up was College’s finest result.
College Issue 41 2021
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