U15 Blues - Champions, 2023!!!

Last Saturday, 19th August, OBHS U15 Blues were crowned champions of the Otago U15 Cup after playing an enthralling match against King's U15 Panthers.

In Antarctic-like conditions at Hancock Park both teams played hard and fast attacking rugby. After winning the toss, we took the direction of the gale force winds and made early use of it playing structured and smart footy through Joseph Flutey’s excellent kicking game, along with a strong chase game lead by Coen Breen. To their credit, Kings were able to wrestle back control and peppered our territory for the majority of the first half, only being interrupted on their charge by an outstanding 45 metre penalty goal from Joseph. Making smart use of short sides and showing physical dominance in the contact, Kings ran in two unconverted tries taking the score to 10-3. However, OBHS fought hard to defend their line and then break out of their half and near the end of the first half took their opportunity to go into the break 10 all thanks to a Toby McClean try.

Like Kings in the first half, our Blues played extremely well into the cyclonic winds inspired by an excellent performance in both defence and attack from our fullback Eden “Speedy” Smith. His try-saving defence has been a real highlight of our 2023 season and it always fills his teammates and coaches with confidence. As the game progressed it was clear the Brothers in Hoops were not going to fade despite the barrage from a well-coached and physically strong Panthers outfit. All four props were up against it with a huge Kings front row squad. The Blues held their own, even showing dominance at set pieces. When Ruben Karawana, was called held-up over the try line, it was clear that our forwards were starting to gain an advantage.

As has been the case all season, our team looks dangerous when the connection between players is at its best. This was highlighted in the exciting final moments of the game when our defensive pressure - led by Jono Tavake, Toni Tuuhoko-Pole, Lucas Brenssell, Braden Mitchell, and Toby McClean - executed an effective chop and hunt campaign at the contact zone. The final play of the game began with Jono making a good chop tackle. Ruban hunted over the ball resulting in a turnover, then Toby’s tap-and-go and found a rampaging Liko Edwards, who had a fantastic game. Liko stepped and fended his way to space on the right edge and linked with a surging Coen Breen, who ran like a man possessed to score a sensational team try. Up stepped Joseph Flutey to convert the try. After a re-kick because of an early charge from Kings, Joseph kicked beautifully into the wind and swung the ball back towards the posts. Some spectators at the ground will swear black and blue that the ball crossed the crossbar, however, unfortunately the referee didn’t see it that way and the game was declared a draw. This was enough for the Blues to be crowned champions and still leave them with some unfinished business to achieve at the upcoming National Tournament.

A Shout Out to our Captain

It is the cruelty of sport that sometimes injury prevents a well-earned moment to shine. This is the case with our 2023 U15 Blues Captain Alex Corbett. Despite being a Year 11, Alex had chosen to play a second season with the 15 Blues to develop his rugby game and lead these boys to what would have been his second National Tournament. Unfortunately, a bad knee injury has robbed him of this opportunity. However, it is right and fair that his leadership, maturity, and rugby ability be publicly recognised. Alex is a fantastic young man, who the boys look up to and respect. I know that they are going to play hard for him in Hamilton. Well done Alex on a good season.

National U15 Invitational Tournament

The coaches of the 15 Blues: Pelu Taele-Pavihi and Charlie Scott, are proud to announce that the following lads will represent OBHS at the National U15 Invitational Rugby Tournament, hosted by Hamilton next week:

Montell Paulo, Charlie Hore, Ruben Karawana, Jacob Perenara, Jonathan Tavake, Jack West, Toby McClean (Captain), Filipe Vaka'uta, Coby Booth, Joseph Flutey (Vice Captain), Jacob Parkinson, Afe Lale Sululoto, Coen Breen, Hoani Kiwara, Eden Smith, Lucas Brenssell, Samuel Kohlhase, Liko Edwards, Tupou Alesana, Drew Passey, Brayden Mitchell, Harry Bond, Ben Glover and Caleb Ede.

The tournament website is: https://9atrotte.github.io/13IA/Release/index.html

Some games will be livestreamed.

The boys and coaches have worked extremely hard on their rugby and their off-field management in preparation for this tournament and are looking forward to the opportunity. A big shout out to the wonderful families and friends of the lads who have done an incredible job fundraising for the boys.

Good luck men.

15 Whites – Final v Trinity College

On Tuesday 22nd August the OBHS 15 Whites played Trinity College in their final game of the season. The lads and the coaching staff of Andrew King and Logan Rowland should be extremely proud of the improvements they’ve made in their game throughout what has been a challenging season. The game was an exciting match played in good spirits. Attack definitely won out with some fantastic skills on show and really clever use of the ball to find space. The lads have clearly worked hard on their attack shape and the ability to move the ball to space and capitalise on it. There were many good performances, but noteworthy was George Tisdall, Harry Bond, Drew Passey, Ben Glover, Harley Higgs, and Blake Rowland.

Well done on a character-building and successful season to all.

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