The loss of crucial players going into the season was evident, yet the boys always showed spirit when facing strong opposition throughout the year.

Coming into the season, the Burnside team was given the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams from around the south island in Timaru over the ANZAC period. 

Results included beating Otago boys along with strong performances against Christchurch Boys and Saint Bedes. These successes early in the season illustrated the potential the boys had as a team, which then paved the way for how they performed throughout the rest of the year.

Despite having to face tough opposition throughout the season, the team continually put up strong, consistent performances against all Canterbury teams. These included tightly contested games against Christ’s College who were nationally ranked 2nd in 2018. Battles against tough teams enabled us to successfully develop the structure and style of play needed moving towards Rankin Cup in September.

After finishing in the top 16 of New Zealand in 2018, the team went into the tournament with the confidence and attitude to succeed. The team came into a tough pool with last year's national winners Saint Kenitgren’s being one of the match ups. Although the team fought hard to beat Pakuranga college and just narrowly lost to Paraparaumu college, they did not have enough points to make top 16 despite tremendous efforts from the boys. Undeterred by this setback, the team continued to show heart throughout the rest of the competition, beating Pukekohe High school comfortably as well as defeating Saint Pauls Collegiate in sudden death shootouts.

On behalf of the team, a massive thanks to Sam Bennett our coach, Sean Wilson our physio and assistant coach and our manager Mr Christeller for all of their dedication and time sacrificed for the betterment of the team. We wouldn't have succeeded as well we did without all of your contributions. Likewise, we also want to thank the parents and supporters for always having faith in us throughout the season. Best luck to all the year 13 boys leaving Burnside this year as well as the players who will represent the green and white in the future.

Emil Collins and Hayden Cox