SPORT Rugby
MiC: Stephen Dods
Ashburton College. A strong forward display set the platform for an eight try victory, which was closely followed three days later by a trip to Timaru to play Aoraki Combined Schools. The 73–0 result featured a succession of well-constructed tries and a remarkable 28 points from the boot of Nic Shearer. The reorganised season schedule saw the traditional match vs Christchurch Boys’ High School played on Upper in front of a large crowd on the last Saturday in the July holidays. The atmosphere was electric and the crowd was treated to a wonderful match that went right down to the wire. The lead changed six times, reflecting just how close the match was. The forward battle was intense and both sides forced errors from the opposition which allowed them opportunities to press their advantage. College went to the break with a narrow 18–15 lead. Then CBHS scored two tries to go out to a 27–18 lead before College came back through a calmly struck drop goal. College’s superior fitness began to pay dividends as they continued to apply pressure on the CBHS line. With five minutes to play they were rewarded with a converted try and a 28–27 lead. CBHS rallied and took play deep into the College half, but outstanding defensive work from backs and forwards alike saw College hold CBHS out for a well-earned victory. Away matches against St Bede’s College and Marlborough Boys’ College saw disappointing performances that would prove costly later in the season. The next match against Waimea College, back on Upper, marked a return to the
team’s high standard and resulted in a convincing win. Covid-19 restrictions were back in force for the next game against Rangiora High School. With no spectators allowed, the game was played in a rather eerie atmosphere. Rangiora proved hungry for the win and just edged College out, putting pressure on the team to make the top four. The home match against Nelson College proved to be a very high scoring game, but that was more a reflection of great attacking play rather than any defensive deficits. College were ahead 20–19 at half- time, before Nelson pushed out to a 23–36 lead with 10 minutes to go. College played some outstanding rugby to score three tries in quick succession for a 38–36 victory. Lincoln High School proved no match for an on form College team and were dispatched 80–3. The next match, against St Andrew’s College, was another great spectacle. Both sides came to play expansive rugby and the match was one of very high quality. The game saw the lead change a number of times, with both teams playing enterprising rugby. The last 10 minutes were played at a frenetic pace, with both sides showing great defence. StAC kicked a penalty with four minutes to go, then College had a difficult penalty chance go wide, and StAC took the game 31–33. The close points table meant College needed a bonus point win over Shirley Boys’ High School in the last match of the regular season. There was little between the teams and both showed great defensive
1ST XV RUGBY Manager: Neil Porter Head Coach: Ross Kennedy Coaches: Sam Broomhall, Reuben Thorne, Arthur Wood Physiotherapist: Ben Ardagh Team: Fletcher Anderson (Captain), George Anderson, Jack Belcher, Guy Chaffey, Cormac Dods, Matt Durant, Louis Gunn, Marcus Hamilton, Angus Hammett, Jarrad Hill, Sam Idiens, Jack Jones, Dominic Lambert, Johnny Lee, Anton Marshall, Nathan McKenzie, Gus Morrow, Liam Pratt, Sean Rutherford-Bradford, Olly Ryan, Fiti Sa, Nic Shearer, Hendrix Taylor Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the 2020 pre-season was one of uncertainty and innovation, as players and coaches sought for ways to prepare themselves both mentally and physically for an uncertain future. As the country moved down the alert levels training became more contact oriented and eventually a start was made in early June with trial matches against Rangiora High School. The UC Championship matches began with a successful away trip to play Timaru Boys’ High School. Travelling and staying together proved useful in bringing the group together and standards were set for the season ahead. This was followed by a strong away performance against St Thomas of Canterbury College, which saw a second bonus point win. Consistent rain for many days in Christchurch saw the team relinquish their home advantage and travel to play in hard and fast conditions at
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