Jim Wishart, a Geography Teacher from Rotorua loved his football.

MBC team was excited to join the tournament with fourteen other teams from across the country in Christchurch.

MBC won their first two critical games, 3-2 over Rolleston and 11 - 0 over Buller High School, Ollie Hunter scoring 4 goals, followed by a tense 0-0 draw against Tawa the next day, perhaps MBC’s best game of the Tournament.

A narrow loss to Hutt Valley 0-1 in the quarter final saw MBC playing against neighbors Nayland College in a game played in a great spirit ending at 2-2 going to a nerve wracking shoot out, ending with a 12-11 victory to MBC on penalties.

In the final game against Kings College, MBC took an early lead, but Kings came back going onto win 2-1 despite a spirited rally leaving MBC with 6th place in the tournament.

All the squad contributed and the players behavior off the field was exemplary. Hugh Straker was outstanding in goal and co-captained the team with Fynn Hawes.

All the squad showed a huge commitment exemplified by the tireless work of Josh and Liam Clamp. Kane Elvy was probably the best footballer in the squad, but Griffin Carter took the vote as MVP for his improvement, commitment, and application over the tournament.

Ayden Foster was voted man of the tournament for his dedication and commendable conduct throughout the tournament on and off the field and the weeks of training leading up to it. Well done Dave Tinker first XI coach.

Photo:

From right to left Back Row: Simon Hurley (Manager), Oliver Hunter, Nike Alvarez Ortiz, Josh Clamp, Jaider Rivas, Griffin Carter, Hugh Straker (co-captain), Fynn Hawes (co-captain), Jude Richmond, Ayden Foster, David Tinker (Coach)

Front Row: Liam Clamp, Rico Chen, Will Baker, Hunter Ruffle, Dylan Guillemot, Kane Elvy, Aaron Shi, Charlie Wilkin.

"Dear Sir

I was in Christchurch last Tuesday having afternoon tea with my daughter. We were at Riccarton Mall. There was a large group of young men next to us and I noticed one had MBC on his jacket. I asked if they were from Blenheim and they said yes and went on to explain that they were the football team and were playing in a tournament.

I would just like to say that they were a credit to your school. They were so well mannered and well behaved.

I wished them all the best for the tournament and walked away feeling proud of these young men from Marlborough Boys College.

Karen Shields"

"Good evening.

I am writing this email to thank your First X1 Football Team for their support of my team in the Grand Final last week.

My team, St Bernard's were struggling with injuries and playing numbers before the final and playing a higher ranked college in Paraparaumu College.

I have no doubt in my mind, that the vocal support your players gave my team, seriously helped them dig extra deep to achieve the result they did.

I don’t know why your college decided to support us, but I'm extremely glad that they did.

St Bernard's have never won a NZSS Tournament so the achievement is unheralded.

We are forever grateful.

Football, the beautiful game.

Paul Olsthoorn, Coach St Bernard's College First X1"