2021 again saw a high level of success across a number of teams

After a disrupted season for 2020 it was great to get an almost full season of rugby completed for the 2021 season. Aside from the girls Under 18 and Under 15 competitions, where semi’s and finals had to be played post Level 3, all other teams were able to complete their seasons in full.

2021 again saw a high level of success across a number of teams, and while results weren’t always forthcoming, our players continue to develop some excellent qualities as they navigate their early rugby careers.

Whilst not winning a competition game in 2021, the Roncalli-Aoraki Combined First XV played some spirited rugby, often against much larger teams. As in 2020, we saw an increased presence of non Roncalli College players in team, further cementing the relationship between Roncalli College, Geraldine High School, Mackenzie College, Waimate High School, Opihi College and Mountainview High School. The skills, character and the bond that is developed between the players and management within this high pressure environment speaks volumes for the coaching and management staff of this team, and there were some inspired performances, particularly against St Thomas’s, Christ’s College, and St Andrew’s College. The First XV also registered 3 wins out of season, with a great first up win in preseason against Waitaki Boys, a large win over a West Coast team in their second game of the season, and a big victory over a touring Inglewood High School team during the July holiday break.

Our Girls Under 18 team had a very successful season, finishing second after narrowly losing to a strong St Kevins/Waitaki Girls teamin a nail biting final at Alpine Energy Stadium. This team continued to develop throughout the season, playing some excellent rugby and were rewarded with Ella Sugrue, Pippa Thomson, Rachel Waldron, Isla McManus and Sophie Kerr all making the Hanan Shield Girls team for 2021 with Ella being named Captain of the team.

Our Under 16.5 boys also had a good season, despite having quite a few of their eligible players representing the First XV the team played some excellent rugby and showed lots of spirit and camaraderie on and off the field in trying circumstances. It was great to see a large number of Roncalli players from both the Under 16.5’s and RAC First XV make the Under 16 South Canterbury team for their representative season: Cameron King, Noah Oudemans, Aliimau Fiso, Maika Mason, Matthew Cairns, William Laing, Brayden Wilson.

Our Roncalli Under 15 Girls team also had a great number of keen and enthusiastic players for the season, with several players new to rugby in 2021. They had a great year, developing some excellent skills and putting in some strong performances on the field, narrowly missing out on the final of their competition.

For this season we had strong numbers in the Under 14.5 grade, with two teams being entered in the South Canterbury competition. These teams both had a high level of success with Roncalli Blue finishing second in their competition, narrowly going down to TBHS in a muddy battle for the trophy at Alpine Energy Stadium. Our Under 14.5 Boys Gold team also had a great season, culminating in them winning the 2021 Tekapo Springs Fair Play award for the South Canterbury competition.

As always there are many people to thank for making our Roncalli 2021 season so successful, in particular all of the coaches and managers who put in a huge amount of work behind the scenes, giving up their free time so that others can benefit from playing our great game. Thank you coaches and managers, without your sacrifice we would not have the great opportunities for our young people that we do. Also a big thanks to our hard working committee who do so much organising behind the scenes to ensure we are so well resourced for our rugby.