We look at and congratulate our top Rugby players and Coaches at Shirley Boys' High School

A very successful prize-giving to finish the season, with the highlight being the guest speaker, Tom Christie. Tom was a member of SBHS 1st XV 2013 – 2015. A skilled and versatile loose forward, he captained the team in his final year when they made UC Championship Final versus St Bede’s. He was then initially selected in the NZ Barbarians Schools side, before winning selection for the NZ Schools side for the Australian tour.

Now studying at University, and playing for the Christchurch Football Club, he is enjoying an excellent season that has included pre-season games for the Crusaders, been Captain of the Canterbury Under-19 team and is a member of the World Champion NZ Under-20 side, which won their tournament in Georgia. Still eligible to be in that team next year, he continues to strive to be the best he can. Tom’s message to the players concentrated on the maxim to always try to achieve your goals by constantly questioning yourself. The “why”. Hopefully the boys will learn from those messages and the stories told.

Individual Accolades

Matt Ngataki Man of Steel: Max Ngataki

For his hard-nosed attitude around defence and embracing the new structure by being the leader of our line. Highly respected within the group, it is only fitting that he is awarded with the trophy dedicated to his brother.

Cody Curran Memorial Trophy: Glen Beardsley

For his outstanding contribution and inspirational leadership and playing ability. Led from the front in all facets.

Team Accolades

1st XV

Most Improved Back: Carlos Jones

Most Improved Forward: Elijah Coulston

Most Valuable Back: Mitchell Barry

Most Valuable Forward: McGregor Best

Player of the Year: Glen Beardsley

2nd XV

Most Improved Back: Phife Toto

Most Improved Forward: Anton Wylaars

Most Valuable Back: Connor Edwards

Most Valuable Forward: Tom Jack

Player of the Year: Cody Broekhuizen

Under 14 Gold

Most Improved Player: Shaedon Macfarlane

Most Valuable Player: Back Jack Hearn

Most Valuable Forward: Connor McLaughlin

Player of the Year:  Kaleb Barnes

Under 14 Blue

Most Improved Player: Hunter Kimber-Reynolds

Most Valuable Back:  Zac Evans

Most Valuable Forward: Dallaglio Taula

Player of the Year:  Fletcher Sparks

Under 14 A

Most Improved Player: Cayleb Sandri

Most Valuable Back:  Emmanuel Fruean

Most Valuable Forward: Brodie Barsby

Player of the Year:  Tahlor Cahill

Under 15 C

Most Improved Player: Riley Dalziel

Most Valuable Back:  Cory Malzard

Most Valuable Forward: Jakob Baars

Player of the Year:  Josh Hemmingsen

Under 15 B

Most Improved Player: DeVante Kakoi

Most Valuable Back:  Daniel Atkinson

Most Valuable Forward: Louie Sweatmore

Player of the Year:  Angus Edwards

Under 15 A

Most Improved Player: Muao Asomua

Most Valuable Back:  Malele Uili

Most Valuable Forward: Fin Ocheduszko Brown

Player of the Year:  Pele Atonio

Under 15 South Island Tournament

SBHS Player of the Tournament:  Kiarn Wilson

Under 16 B

Most Improved Player: Aaron Schwenke

Most Valuable Back:  Ryan Cherry

Most Valuable Forward: Jermaine Whiunui

Player of the Year:  Zac Averis-Boag

Under 16 A

Most Improved Player: Ryan McLean

Most Valuable Back:  Cameron Marino

Most Valuable Forward: Matthew Keppel

Player of the Year:  Matthew Anderson

Coaching Accolades

Greg Ashdowne Trophy: Under 15A Mike Skinner, Mike Smith and Jamyn Keats

For qualifying for the Section 1 Final against Christchurch BHS after enjoying a successful season.

Ashdowne Cup: 2nd XV Alan Strong and John Hansen

For qualifying for the Section 1 Semi Final, going down to Timaru BHS 34-38 in the final minutes. A fine result considering an ever-changing squad as players won selection at a higher level.

Laurenson Cup: Under 15 Tournament Mike Skinner, Mike Smith and Jamyn Keats

For an excellent unbeaten campaign where they scored 146 points and conceded just 24, in beating Timaru BHS, Nelson College, Kings High School and Southland BHS to win the South Island U15 Tournament.

Congratulations to all award winners!