The U15A forwards pack created a pretty special identity this year. Individually, it was as though the leaders and core players – such as Jayden, Jaiden and Josh – really developed their game to another level, displaying acts of determination and drive when their backs were against the wall. The emergence of players such as George Clarke and George Austin was a real positive, cementing themselves in the starting eight each week. While the bravery shown week in week out, from the likes of Will, George Cochrane and Tom putting their body on the line, must also be praised. The pack set piece was rather like a juggernaut, dominating lineouts, mauls and scrums, and often forcing opposition teams to tap for penalties as they did not wish to take on the team’s set piece. Discipline, however, was an area in which we seemed to struggle. A mix of repeated infringements and a bit of backchat often saw us on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle, creating momentum for the opposition to strike. The breakdown is another area that must continue to be developed at this level. As in any match, the team with the ball is the team in control. Overall, despite 60 minutes of aesthetic footy, just 20 minutes of switching off each week was enough to put the boys on the wrong side of the score board. Hopefully, a season full of development and learning, including how to stay positive in difficult circumstances and the importance of staying in the moment at all times. You snooze, you lose. The U15A backs had talents who were looking to develop their skills weekly. The attitude of the players turning up to training to learn and improve their skills was amazing throughout the season. We generally have a physically smaller side compared to other schools, but we identified ourselves as a team that could outsmart bigger boys by skills and mindset. Unfortunately, we could not get the results we aimed for this season, but the players showed some outstanding efforts to be their
best at each moment. As coaches, we believe the players will continue to positively develop their rugby skills during the rest of their time at College.
Christchurch Boys’ High School, the Bombers and the season that might never have happened got underway. The boys played three pre-season games in total, two against CBHS and one against St Bede’s College, before the holiday break. With two wins behind them, the Bombers showed promise going into the start of the regular season. The season began with a game against Haeata Community Campus, the first home game for Haeata and played in front of a packed home crowd. Building on their strong pre-season, the Bombers took the win in the final play of the game – showing the composure in a high stress situation that became the hallmark of the boys’ mindset throughout the season. Whether it was the ever feisty run- ins with CBHS, the coming and going of players throughout the season, or the threat of Covid-19 making its way back into the country, the Bombers were steadfast from start to finish. This is not to be understated. This team of young men deserve recognition for their bravery, hard work, and passion to continue on with their lives and enjoy their sport. The Bombers, a team and its storybook season that its coaches and staff will never forget. A proud, inspiring group of young men. Your future is bright, we look forward to seeing the great men you will grow to become.
Mitch Gibson Coach, U15A Rugby
U15B RUGBY Manager: Stephen Dods Coaches: Alister Collins, James Graham Team: Ed Cochran (captain), Levi Astle, Joel Bailey, James Barker- McMillan, Ollie Barker-McMillan, Olly Blackburn, George Cochrane, Tyson Crestani, Nick Gibb, Hamish Grigg, Matt Hepburn, Corbin James, Luke James, Alex Macdonald, Logan Marshall, Luke Moore, Charlie Poulter, Alex Reid, William Simpson, Freddie Tapper, Will Wightman When you hear the words “storybook season”, possibly the first thing most would think of is a team that won the league and went on to win the championship. At least, that would be the usual idea of how a storybook season might unfold. Bring forth 2020, and with it a global pandemic – an unimaginable time for this generation, having never before experienced anything of the sort. This storybook season began with the majority of the world descending into a state of chaos, while New Zealand chose to take a route that allowed for life to quickly resume pretty much as normal. Zoom a little closer into one part of the country, and you’ll find the story of the College Bombers. The U15B team – aka the Bombers – a group of young men, teeming with talent, potential, poise and an overall good sense of humour, embarked upon a season that began with contactless training sessions, groups of no more than 10 people, and more hand sanitiser than there is water in the Avon … until the boys, coaches and staff were left wondering whether they would actually get to play some proper footy this year. Thankfully, through the diligent work of all, the answer was an emphatic yes. And, following the first pre-season game against
James Graham Coach, U15B Rugby
U14A RUGBY Manager: Dr Craig Aitken Coaches: Tom Houghton, Mike Peacock Team: Frankie Meates (captain), Beau Armstrong, Dom Botherway, Max Charteris, Sam Chittock, Murphy Dargue, Alexander De Luca, Dan Flutey, George Grace, Bede Hamilton, Matty Hickman, Tom Hodges, Felix Huston, Jake Leck, Oliver March, Benji Nation, Wills Ockwell, PJ Palamo, Tom Rawstron, Albie Roberts, Hunter Shore, Max Topham, Archie Whithear
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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