The Middleton Grange Boys 1st XI...

...had their hopes drawn on a top 5 finish, and another trip to Nationals in 2018. However, with many players being withdrawn (for various reasons), and some incomplete performances from the team in key matches meant that we ended up finishing 8th overall. With only having 11 players for half of the season, we looked to recruit some up and coming starlets from the Year 9/10 team, to head away to tournament in Nelson with us. These players brought an extra level of competitiveness for places, and a fresh hunger to succeed, which is exactly what the boys needed after a grueling campaign so far. Tournament brought a lot of laughs off the field, and a lot of hard work on the field. We ended up securing a top 4 finish, which was well deserved. A win over local rivals Christ College, was satisfying, however a win over Shirley Boys in the semi-finals would’ve been even more rewarding. We started off the game strong, hitting the back of the net early through a bullet from youngster Monty Joseph. However, we let Shirley straight back into it, through a communication error at the back. The game was tied up at 1-1 for most of the game, with each team having chances but not taking them. With 10 minutes to go, Shirley got their break through to make it 2-1, after a good through ball to their pacey striker, who clinically finished his chance into the bottom corner of keeper Jayden Lin’s goal. Credit to captain Max Collingwood, who never gave up, and kept working hard for his team mates, no matter if we were winning or losing. Max scored his first and only hattrick from the RAIDERS. A deserved reward, after spending 4 of his 5 years with the mitts on in goal. Standout players throughout the season were Brody Hall (yr 11), Edward Billcliff (yr 10) and Hirokazu Sanada (yr 13), who’s consistency during games, and commitment to the team was outstanding. I would like to thank the year 13’s (Max, Cairo, Logan, Hiro, Seth C, Seth S and Luke) for their time and effort over the various years they represented their school. God bless you as you go forth into the big wide world.

Isaac Stanton

1st XI Football Coach