SPORT Football
MiC: Matt Cortesi It has not been an easy season for Christ's College football teams, dealing with cold winter mornings, player absences, tough opposition, and, at times, bad luck. The culmination of several factors meant it was hard to gain momentum, with most Saturday teams recording inconsistent results. However, individual players progressed, and some teams enjoyed late-season form. The 3rd XI delivered some exciting games, with a win in the final game of the season following a penalty shootout and a boost by goalkeeper Bailey Kingan, who saved twice and scored a penalty. The Junior XI finished 5th at the South Island U15 invitational tournament, and 3rd in the Canterbury School Sport Junior Premier grade. The Ravens and Crows had difficult seasons overall, but their local derby games – playing in the 17th Grade 1st Division – were close encounters. The 1st XI produced the best results, finishing top of its pool and 4th overall in the Mainland Schools Premier Competition after losing its semi-final to St Thomas of Canterbury College. Ironically, the team lifted the Connetics Challenge Shield after beating St Thomas, 3–1, earlier in the season. At the National Premier Tournament, the 1st XI gained its best result in several years after qualifying for the top 16. Despite a great performance, the team just missed out on the top eight after St Patrick’s College, Wellington scored late goals to deny College a tilt at the quarter-finals. Thank you to our amazing staff, coaches, and managers for their
incredible support in organising teams, managing players, planning sessions, and ensuring that College fielded teams each weekend. Special thanks to Ollie Hawkins, Tom Bailey, Ren Tamayo, Lachie McIsaac, Jamie Williams, Kevin Guttmann, and Warren Dunick for their coaching efforts. Thank you also to Kate Morris, Kevin Harris, Charlotte de Roles, Kirstie Tucker, Robyn McEwen, Dr Mike Field, Sarah Loughnan, Claire Sparks, and Ashleigh Ward for their significant contributions. Special mention must be made of Matt Cortesi, who is stepping down as Master-in-Charge after 14 years to focus on the 1st XI and Development teams and coaching. Thank you, Matt, for your service and contribution to advancing football at College. 1ST XI The 1st XI football team entered the season with a strong squad, featuring several returning players and a talented new group of Year 11 players. Having that depth of talent proved crucial in last-gasp wins, navigating low patches, and covering significant injuries and absences. Contesting a local derby against Christchurch Boys’ High School (CBHS) with a sixth- choice goalkeeper plucked out of the basketball team and two key midfielders out with injury and then win a penalty in the last minute to grab a 1–1 draw and defend the Challenge Shield was typical of the season. College started the season with a 2–1 win over Papanui High School in an untidy performance, and then drew 0–0 with St Bede’s College in a
tight game. A 7–0 win over Lincoln High School cut out the early season rust before College enjoyed a run of quality performances against CBHS, St Andrew’s College, Cashmere High School, and Hillmorton High School to top Pool A in the Mainland Schools Premier Competition. The 3–2 win over Cashmere High School delivered the Connetics Challenge Shield for the first time since 2022. With national tournament qualification in Auckland also secured, College was determined to chase higher honours in the second half of the season. The second stanza started in incredible fashion with a 10-goal thriller against Shirley Boys’ High School (SBHS). In an exciting, back-and-forth affair, College went on a blitz, scoring three times in 10 minutes to turn a 1–2 halftime deficit into a 4–2 lead. College wrapped up the 6–4 win with five minutes left. An ugly 0–1 loss handed Rangiora High School the Challenge Shield, launching a poor patch for the team. A 1–1 draw with Cashmere High School and a 0–1 loss to St Bede’s College meant that College would have to lift its game to make the top four. College responded with a 3–1 win over St Thomas, the 1–1 draw with CBHS, and a 4–0 win over Papanui High School. In doing so, College grabbed back the Challenge Shield with the win against St Thomas. College defended the shield twice to finish 4th in the league and lock up the trophy for summer. In a reversal of fortunes, College lost 1–3 in the semi-final to St Thomas, missing out on a final spot. In Auckland, the team delivered its best performance at the Premier National Tournament in many years. After losing to eventual champion
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