The Senior A water polo team were very lucky to have the opportunity to travel to Wellington over the Term 1 holidays and take part in the National Secondary Schools tournament (27 - 30 April). There was a lot of hard work by the school and our water polo club to get our team there. With this in mind, the team went into the tournament with a positive attitude and enjoyed every part of the experience.

Day 1

We took two heavy losses playing Palmerston North Boys' High and Sacred Heart College, but the boys never put their heads down and fought hard to the very end of both games. We went back to the accommodation that night in high spirits and celebrated Taylor Fahey’s 16th birthday.

Day 2

We had 2 great wins against Western Springs College and Christchurch Boys' High. The team was over the moon, and we all went back to the accommodation happy knowing our game was coming together.

Day 3

We had another great win in the morning against St Peter's College and later that day went down to Rosmini College in a close fought battle.

Day 4

In our final game of the tournament, we lost to St Kentigens and ended the tournament coming 11th in the country. The final business for the team was to award Angus Nevin a cap.

As the captain of the team I would like to acknowledge the boys and how hard we fought for every point and our resolve to never give up, we were a solid unit in and out of the pool. Our coaches, old boys Sam and Pat O’Neill gave us the best guidance and coaching and created a fun and relaxed environment that we could be our best in. To our manager Mike Fraher who is also the club Chair, thank you so much for all your commitment to the development of Water Polo at St Bede’s and to the managers assistant Mandy for the yummy Caramel Slice and washing our tops. To Mrs Pitcaithly, where would we be without you, your support of the Water Polo boys is unwavering, and we look forward to having you on board for many more years to come.

It has been a pleasure and an honor to play Water Polo for St Bede’s College. I have been lucky to be a part of some great teams, winning 4 gold medals for Senior South Islands and 1 gold and 1 silver medal in Junior South Islands. As I played my last game for St Bede’s on Saturday, I felt a sense of sadness and a sense of pride. I know the lads will continue to fight to be the best in the South Island and that St Bede’s water polo is in great hands for years to come with some very talented players coming through the years.

Fide Et Opere

Jared Talanoa