The annual 1st XV rugby fixture between Christchurch Boys’ High School and Christ’s College took place last Thursday 1st June. The game was hosted at school for the second time since the new John Morrissey Grandstand has been completed.

It was a pleasure to welcome back to assembly Old Boys from a variety of reunions that occurred during the day including players from the 1st XVs of 1992, 1977, 1967 and 3 members of the 1957 team! Caps were presented to the team by the Headmaster and Paul Gregg (captain of the 1957 team). Leighton Burtt (2001 Deputy Senior Monitor and Deans Scholar) spoke to the assembly before the 1st XV were acknowledged by a vociferous haka from the Year 9s.

As for the game itself, a vocal and supportive crowd of approximately 4000 were entertained by a close-fought competitive game of rugby that brought out the best in both teams. The result, a 16-15 win to Christ’s College, has been widely reported. College fans celebrated their first win in 17 years and Boys’ High supporters were magnanimous in defeat and very supportive of their mates in the 1st XV. The good humour, evident at times, was reflected in the School chant of “16 on the trot” being replaced by the College crowd calling “One year in a row” as the fulltime whistle sounded.

We congratulate College on their hard-earned victory. Bring on 2018!