and built their game around controlling possession for extended periods of time and restricting opportunities for the opposition. The team finished 3rd in the Division 4, 17th Grade, having narrowly missed out on making the final in a dramatic semi-final penalty shoot-out. The beginning of the season started out somewhat poorly during the grading games, as we ended up playing a number of high quality teams who were able to score 5 or more goals against us. As soon as we were placed in the appropriate grade, however, we began to settle in to our game plan, with midfielders Ryan Liu, Charlie Eglinton and Aperahama Anaru-Astwood being linchpins in the middle to control the ball all around the park. We still struggled to find the back of the net regularly for the first quarter of the season, before the addition of Benjamin Breitmeyer provided the spark that was required and the floodgates opened. This resulted in some highly entertaining games, including a 4–5 loss against Christchurch Boys’ High School Black, coming back from 0–4 down to draw 4–4 against FC Twenty, and a dominant 7–0 win against St Bede’s College. From a defensive standpoint, the combination of Jim Gibbs, Sam Baynes, Adam Chamberlain and Raymond Brooks provided a solid foundation for the rest of the team to show their attacking flair. The defensive aspect of our game was where we showed our greatest improvement as the season wore on. Special individual mentions are required for two of our players: first, Jasper Moss, who received the footballers' footballer award due to his commitment to the cause, his “never say die” attitude and his relentless positivity both on and off the field; and second, goalkeeper Joe Pfahlert, who was always willing to put his body on the line as our last line of defence, which even resulted in a concussion in the semi-final match. Overall, the 3rd XI represented both themselves and the school
extremely well, playing a positive brand of football and enjoying every minute of it.
for the season. The young 1st XI players in the team helped bolster the group, but it really was whole team performances that were the centrepiece of the season. Individuals like Finlay Broomhall, Spencer Smith and Andreas Gormack had fantastic seasons and highlighted the consistency, work rate and determination needed at this level. College’s nemesis, however, proved to be Nomads United. Meeting four times in total, the Ravens had a marginal edge over Nomads for much of the season, with two wins (3–0 and 2–0) and a 2–2 draw in their earlier matches, before meeting them again in the cup final. In disappointing fashion, the Ravens imploded. Unfortunately, the team never really got going in the manner in which they had been accustomed during the season, and Nomads were much sharper and lethal in front of the goal. Late recruit Ben Abbot scored in his last game of football for College, but the 1–7 loss was a very tough way to finish what had been an outstanding season. Despite losing the cup final, there were so many positives to take away from the season. Winning the league unbeaten and the number of players coming through to challenge for spots in the 1st XI next season were two of the biggest highlights. The boys of the Ravens team can hold their heads high and be proud of a thoroughly enjoyable and excellent season.
Played 10 Won 4 Drew 2 Lost 4
Placed 3rd, Division 4, 17th Grade
Dr Neil de Joux Manager, 3rd XI Football
RAVENS Manager: Jennifer Wong Coach: Warren Dunick Team: Harry Sharr (captain), Isaac Aitken, Finlay Broomhall, Brad Crestani, Gabriel Gallaway, Andreas Gormack, Gray Heath, Ciaran Huntley, Josh Jolly, Henri Murison, Rheon Salt, Alex Scott, Spencer Smith, Jake Tacon, Robbie Ward, Scott Winefield The Ravens proved to be one of the best College teams this year and it was an outstanding season overall – defined not only by the quality of the play, but also by the camaraderie, effort and application of the team. Losing just one match all season is a pretty special achievement, unfortunately it happened to be the last game, in a cup final match. The season began with grading games. Playing in Division 1, 17th Grade, the team started in style with a comprehensive 10–0 win over Cashmere Technical. This was followed with scores of 4–1, 5–1, 3–0 and 11–2 in the next four games, confirming their place in Division 1 and sending a clear message that the Ravens were the team to beat. During the league games, the Ravens again went unbeaten throughout. There were some tough encounters, but, in general, the Ravens high level of interplay, passing, and movement and finishing held them in good stead. Ciaran Huntley had an excellent season in goal, often producing top class saves to frustrate and deny the opposition. Henri Murison was once again a prolific scorer, netting more than 20 goals
Played 17 Won 14 Drew 2 Lost 1
Placed 1st, Division 1, 17th Grade, Runner-up, Division 1 Cup Spencer Smith Ravens Football
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