The end-of-season Independent Schools 1st XV Festival hosted by St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton provided another wonderful opportunity to play different schools and not have the pressure of earning competition points. First up, College played St Paul’s Collegiate School, with the host school eager to start the festival on a winning note. College took its larger pack on up front and provided quality ball to its backs. After a close battle, the first half ended on 14–14 but a more dominant second half gave College a 26–14 win. Next facing King’s College from Auckland, College was keen to avenge last year’s defeat. College dominated early possession and scored several wonderful, long- range tries to lead 35–7 at half- time, reflecting the quality of the play. While King’s College came back, College stayed ahead to win comfortably, 47–33. The final match was against festival newcomer St John’s College, with the Hamilton school filling the gap left by the St Kentigern withdrawal. While a sizeable team, St John’s College was no match for the quality play, with the 26–7 win ensuring a clean sweep for College. College was well served by players in their third year with the team. Frankie Meates proved to be an outstanding leader and, once again, a highly skilled player. He was the outstanding openside flanker in the Miles Toyota Championship, recording 44 appearances over three seasons. Vice-captain PJ Palamo again performed at the highest level, continuing to play every minute of every game. He finished the year with 49 appearances and was recognised as the 1st XV Player of the Year. Benji Nation was the key distributor, and his selection for higher honours reflected his talent in
coach), and Ted (Canterbury Rugby video review). Thanks also to the kitchen staff for the weekly snack boxes and Stephen Dodds for his invaluable guidance. The team captain
fixture. As the team found its footing, the chemistry grew, and we used a good structure to compensate for often physically (in terms of much bigger teams) mismatched opposition. One example was a good win against one of the strongest teams in the competition, Hornby, who we would later meet in the semi-final. After that 53–12 win, the boys knew they had it in them to compete. We continued to play well leading up to the mid-winter holidays, securing a good 15–5 win over St Andrew’s College, and a convincing 55–12 win over Te Aratai College. However, with a few injuries and players shifting up to the 2nd XV, the boys had to adapt and play in unfamiliar positions. We took a close loss, 19–26, against Christchurch Boys’ High School into the holiday period. Following the holidays, the boys took some time to find their feet, with a tough 17–43 loss to St Bede’s College, and another hard-fought battle against Hornby. Eventually, we secured a semi-final spot following a good win against St Andrew’s College. The boys arrived at Denton Park Oval to deliver one of the best first-half performances of the season, meeting Hornby at the line and finding space. The boys showcased their hard work and managed to secure a few good points against a team who greatly outweighed us. Unfortunately, Hornby managed to pull away, winning 49–19 to end our season. Despite the tough finish, it was a good season where every player developed under our plan. Thank you to our superb coaches and all the parents and caregivers who supported the boys. Finally, thank you to Stephen Dods who led an excellent rugby programme over
for the start of the season was Hunter Shore
(seven). He was later called up to the 1st XV, handing
the leadership to Tom Hodges
(nine). Both boys showed impressive leadership skills. The Miles Toyota Cup was a tough competition, with some formidable teams in the mix.
contributions in the front row, with Zinzan proving to be a weapon in the post-lineout maul. He was the team’s top try scorer with 11. Henry Thin was an elusive outside back who provided pace and determination. Tom Rawstron and Jake Leck made strong contributions in the front row and fellow Year 13 students Felix Huston, Franklin Barry, and Harry Hanson become regular backline contributors. Hanson was the top try scorer in the backs with eight. Masa Miyazaki was an effective impact player and contributed 55 points, largely from his accurate goal- kicking. Year 13 students Hunter Shore, Albie Roberts, and Bede Elkington all made contributions. Year 12 players Gavin Holder and Rico Lemalie were again regular starting players, with Gavin a key decision-maker from first-five and showing his quality. While he missed the end of the season with injury, he still contributed 71 points, mainly from his goal-kicking. Rico formed an effective midfield partnership with PJ Palamo, showing some sublime skills. Fellow Year 12 student Alf Markham quickly became the first-choice blindside flanker and started in all but one match. He was an effective tackler and showed ability in reading the game and reacting accordingly. Tom Hazeldine and Luke Woodwiss were both effective players off the bench, keeping the regular starters honest.
In an outstanding achievement, eight players were selected for the Junior Crusaders to play the Junior Hurricanes in October: Frankie Meates (captain), Zinzan Bondarenko-Leatua, Murphy Dargue, Jake Leck, Rico Lemalie, Benji Nation, Alf Markham, and PJ Palamo. Gavin Holder was also in the squad but was unable to play because of injury. At the national level, halfback Benji Nation was selected for the U18 Barbarians team, playing against the Samoan and Australian schools teams in the October holidays. It was a fine reward for his outstanding year. Miles Toyota Championship results vs Timaru Boys’ High School won 59–12 vs Selwyn Combined won 55–5 vs Christchurch Boys’ High School lost 25–34 vs Marlborough Boys College won 43–7 vs Shirley Boys’ High School won 24–21 vs Nelson College lost 35–53 (played during Quadrangular Tournament) vs St Andrew’s College lost 10–12 vs St Bede’s College won 19–25 vs St Thomas of Canterbury College won 32–24 vs (semi-final) Christchurch Boys’ High School lost 15–24
Quadrangular Tournament vs Whanganui Collegiate School won 31–10 vs Nelson College lost 35–53 Independent Schools Festival vs St Paul’s Collegiate School (Hamilton) won 26–14 vs King’s College (Auckland) won 47–33 vs St John’s College (Hamilton) won 26–7 2ND XV Manager: Kerry Brockelbank Coaches: Robbie Flynn, Logan Martin-Feek The 2nd XV had a great season, with the boys working hard and taking part in three training sessions per week. We also had weekly video reviews and the boys maintained their own gym programmes. There was a big push from the boys, and these young men turned up and gave each game their best. We had a great management team this year who ensured that the boys were well supported. Thank you to Mikayla Swann (physio), Robbie Flynn (forwards coach), Logan Martin-Feek, (backs coach), Matt MacDougall (team play and backs
However, the Waimea College game in Motueka was a highlight, as the boys tackled a top-of-the-table team. College secured the win in the last three minutes in front of a very vocal crowd, with the field falling silent on the final whistle. The boys also impressed against Cashmere High School. Thank you to all the parents and supporters who cheered us on – it was much appreciated. DEVELOPMENT XV Manager: Cameron Pickering Coaches: Will Jones-Allen, Caleb Todd, Keita Yamamoto The ‘Devs’ began the season as part of a new concept replacing the traditional 3rd XV and U16 sides. The premise was to mix experienced senior players with several younger players to help develop their potential to play 2nd XV and 1st XV rugby. Several players were called on throughout the season to play for higher honours, showing the value of the plan. Many are expected to represent the College in higher grades in coming seasons. The season got under way with a tough loss to St Thomas of Canterbury College in the grading
eight years at College. Award recognition
Both captains, Tai Mckenzie and Gus Moylan, really led the team from the front this year, displaying good decision-making and impressive patience. Will Richards developed his skills and showed his versatility throughout the season, never backing down from a challenge and always making a tackle.
45 games over three years. Returning for a second year,
Year 13 students Murphy Dargue and Will Ockwell provided the second-row impetus and gave their all. Josh Ratulomai and Zinzan Bondarenko-Leatua made significant
274
275
Christ’s College Canterbury
Register 2024 Sport
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator