YOBs
We continue to host events in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin for those who have left College within the last 10 years – our Young Old Boys. It is heartening to catch up with those who come along and see them engage with others who may or may not have been at school at the same time. Useful connections are made between those studying and those in the workplace – you never quite know when or what information will come in handy. And these relatively recent College graduates are ideal speakers to share their experiences and career pathways with current students.
Hockey– Nick Speight Memorial Shield
In 1989, the Old Boys match was originally played to give the College 1st XI some final, sharp preparation before the Rankin Cup. Over the last 18 years or so, however, the match has been played after the season ends, and celebrated as the last College match for 1st XI leavers. As a result, it has had a more festival atmosphere, and the Old Boys have reaped the rewards, leaping out to a 16–13 lead in Nick Speight Memorial Shield wins (the only draw being in the inaugural match). This year marked the return of the match to a week before the Rankin Cup and, as the Old Boys gathered, the College team, fresh off an underwhelming draw with Burnside High School, knew the game would be an incredible challenge. Turning out for the Old Boys XI were regulars Sam Mark, Tom Mouldey, Chris Reddiford, and Kieren and Martyn Roe, along with Dean Gardiner and Cameron McKie (none of whom has been in a Rankin Cup final), joined by Henry Phelps, Ben Epton and Louis Beckert (Rankin Cup winners in 2017) and Will Duston and Sam Blake (winners in 2017 and runners-up in 2018). The first five minutes were well controlled by College, and there was an early chance from a one-on-one with
goalkeeper Louis Beckert. In what was almost the first clean break in the match for the Old Boys, Ben Epton clinically finished a move through the centre, initiated by Henry Phelps and Cameron McKie. In the past this may have triggered a minor panic in the ranks, but this year’s College XI proved they know how to absorb pressure, then build their own. Kyle Houston in the midfield for College, showed his triathlon background gives all the fitness needed to dominate the centre and, linking with captain Tim Cross, sent a great ball into the circle. But the shot was saved. At the other end, College goalie Hamish Newstead showed his experience defending a foray into the circle by Tom Mouldey. From this, College recovered through the centre again, Kyle Houston and Henry Mossman setting up Tim Seeto, who impressed by roofing his shot on goal. With the score now tied at 1–1, the rest of the half was played at a frantic pace. It became end-to-end hockey with a lot of penalty corners. College’s Tom Macfarlane had already impacted on the game with his 70 metre overhead passes out of defence, but his drag flick penalty corners proved too predictable for Louis, one of New Zealand’s best junior goalkeepers.
College Issue 37 2019
101
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker