Interschool vs Otago Boys’ High School lost 7–52 vs Nelson College lost 14–26 (Quad Tournament) vs Wellington College drew 18–18 (Quad Tournament)
The match against St Andrew’s College is important in any season, but it proved vital in this year’s campaign. The team put in what was probably their best performance, with all players lifting their skill level. College dominated possession, field position and the scoreboard to lead 21–5 at half-time. College also controlled the second half, but only scored one more try. It was enough to secure the necessary bonus point win. The final home game of the season against Timaru Boys’ High School saw College continue the positive performances of Term 3. The bonus point was achieved inside 25 minutes and the final score included eight tries. It was a fitting farewell to Upper for the departing players. The strong finish to the season meant the team had secured a place in the UC Championship semi-finals. Up against Nelson College again, the team headed north having prepared with resolve and confidence for what they knew would be a tough match. In cold, wet and muddy conditions, Nelson started strong and scored first through a penalty, but College rallied to even the score at the 10-minute mark. Nelson then scored two tries to lead 3–13 at half-time. College controlled possession better in the second half and exerted a great deal of pressure on the Nelson line, which resulted in a converted try. The last 10 minutes saw College hammering the Nelson line, but Nelson defended very well to win the match 10–16. While the final score meant the season was over, the players could be proud of their performance. Shun Miyake was again a significant contributor through his boot, posting 138 points in the season. The match against Timaru was Shun’s 50th appearance for the team, reflecting the remarkable contribution he has made to College rugby since his first match in 2017 and his fitness and reliability. Captain Zach Gallagher proved to be an outstanding leader and the team’s most valuable player. Quiet
and determined, Zach earned the confidence of the other players and they trusted him to make good decisions. He was composed under pressure and a true example to the rest of the team through the quality of his preparation and his work rate. Zach’s playing ability and leadership qualities were recognised when he was chosen to captain the Crusaders Junior Knights U18 team in July. At the end of the season Zach received the highest honour available, when he was named captain of the New Zealand Schools team to play tests against Fiji U18 and the Australian Schools teams. RESULTS UC Championship vs Shirley Boys’ High School won 27–15 vs St Thomas of Canterbury College won 29–16 vs Mid Canterbury Combined won 69–3 vs Lincoln Combined drew 22–22 vs Christchurch Boys’ High School lost 13–31 vs St Bede’s College lost 15–20 vs Marlborough Boys’ College won 17–7 vs Rangiora High School won 29–10 vs Nelson College lost 14–26 (at Quad Tournament) vs Waimea Combined won 34–0 vs Aoraki Combined won 79–0 vs St Andrew’s College won 28–10 vs Timaru Boys’ High School won 55–28 Semi-final vs Nelson College lost 10–16
Neil Porter Manager
2ND XV RUGBY Manager: Rob Donaldson Coaches: Ben Ardagh, Stephen Dods, Richie Ormond Team: Max Heywood (co-captain), Tom Vincent (co-captain), Jack Belcher, Charlie Bushell, Guy Chaffey, Tom Cotter, Edwin Dargue, Tyus Dimbleby, Cormac Dods, Dominic Edmond, Jack Elvy, Brodie Gason, James Goodman, Louis Gunn, Josh Johnston, Robbie McKeown, George Murray, Timothee Piron, Olly Ryan, John Scroope, Charles Smith, Caleb Tod, Nate Wain This is the story of a team of young men who improved exponentially during the season, exhibited grit and character, and thereby qualified for the U18 division 1 final. The first (grading) game of the season against Hillmorton High School 1st XV taught the boys a valuable lesson – do not allow the opposition to play to their strengths. We lost this game by one point, knowing that we were the better team. The team improved its line speed on defence in the second game, against St Thomas of Canterbury College 2nd XV. The half-time score was 8–7 to us but, by the final whistle, we had stretched the lead to 35–7. We played St Thomas again the following week and won 32–17.
The team then took a big step backwards, losing 0–65 to the
Christchurch Boys’ High School 3rd XV. A 22–31 loss in the following game, to St Bede’s College 2nd XV, resulted in further reviews of areas for development. We then beat Shirley Boys’ High School 43–14, and
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Register 2019 Sport
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