The year started very differently due to the Covid pandemic, as pre-season training and games were cancelled. This meant that it was a difficult start, with nine new players who needed to fill the squad of 16.

It was a tough beginning to the season as we started off in the SSP Division 1 where we were playing some of the best schools in the country. By the end of the first round, the team had improved from the first game of the season.

Unfortunately the team was relegated after the first round, finishing last out of the seven teams in the competition. This meant that we would be competing in the SSL Division 1 for the second round.

The team started the second round slowly as we lost to Ashburton College in the first game. From here the team improved massively over the next six games. The team showed a big change as we won the next six games and only conceded six goals across those games. In the second round the whole team improved and started to click as a team a lot better than the first round.

The team was very lucky to have a tournament that they could compete in due to the complications with Covid throughout the year, and because the national Rankin Cup Tournament was cancelled. The South Island Premier Boys Tournament held in Christchurch was a big step up as all the best schools from the South Island were competing in it. We showed a big improvement from the beginning of the season as all the boys stepped up and played well. The team finished on a high when beating Cashmere High School 2-0 in the final game of the tournament.

A big thanks goes to Mike Rakowitz for stepping up and coaching the team this year. His patience, knowledge and direction helped improve a number of players throughout the season. Another big thanks goes to Sean Wilson for being Assistant Coach and Physio. Thanks also to Mr Christeller for helping out during Tournament Week. Also thanks to the parents and supporters that helped out and supported us during the season.

Matthew Wilson

Captain