Fifth place

Monday: St Bede’s 17 – Rotorua Boys’ High School 19 (Loss):

St Bede’s came out with an excellent start against Rotorua Boys’ after having narrowly lost to them in the quarter final playoff in 2018. Bede’s were clinical for the first half, scoring a magnificent set piece try from a lineout where the ball moved from edge to edge, with fullback Isaac Hutchinson putting through a perfectly weighted grubber kick for wing Cam Rawlings to run onto. Bede’s held the momentum with a penalty right up until half time when Rotorua managed to secure a try to bring the score to 10-5 at the break. Rotorua came out in the second half and carried the ball extremely well to put Bede’s under pressure in their own half. As a result of this sustained pressure, as well as some excellent carrying by the number 8 and center, Rotorua scored twice again in quick succession to extend their lead to 19-10. Bede’s again fought back strongly with a try to bring the score within 2 points with five minutes to go. Unfortunately, the deficit was too much to overcome and Rotorua were able to hold out to win the game.

Monday: St Bede’s 27 – Westlake Boys’ High School 5 (Win):

It is always tough playing a second game of rugby on the same day, and especially tough at a tournament where there are no easy opponents. Bede’s faced off against a scrappy but determined Westlake Boys’ side. Both teams needed to win the afternoon’s match if they hoped to proceed through to the Top 8. Westlake tried to compensate for their lack of structure by keeping the ball alive to make the most of their size, speed and physicality. Bede’s were drawn into playing to the opposition’s tune until they were able to settle down and get into their usual pattern of play. A try after 10 minutes saw Bede’s edge out for a 7 point lead, only to have a quick tap and crossfield kick bring Westlake back in within 2 points. The rest of the game was a steady grind with Bede’s consistently accumulating points and successfully holding out Westlake with persistent linespeed and determined tackling.

Tuesday: St Bede’s 15 – Wesley College 12 (Win)

As is so often the case, day two was a must-win game for both sides. The team had come through the first day in good spirits, but unfortunately had lost lead lineout jumper Josh Borcoskie to a concussion against Westlake and starting openside flanker Jonty Blacklow to a back injury in the warm up. As a result, players were called in to rotate for tired legs and broken bodies and a different looking team took to the field on day two. The team had a fantastic start, the fresh legs blew a much larger Wesley College out of the water in the first 20 minutes as Bede’s consistently kicked the ball in behind to put pressure of the Wesley back three and their lineout. The score at half time was 15-0 to Bede’s. In the second half Wesley made use of the wind as Bede’s struggled to exit from their own half. Determined defence saw Bede’s hold off the rampaging Wesley attack until they finally managed to score and convert on the final play of the game.

Wednesday: St Bede’s College 6 – Hastings 24 (Loss)

A game of two halves. The winner of this match would go through to the top 4 semi-finals. The match was played in between two large rainstorms and as a result the ground was sodden with a strong crossfield wind which blew throughout the entirety of the match. The first half saw St Bede’s play with some excellent structure as they controlled the conditions well through good use of field position and persistent line speed. Despite this, Hastings was able to establish a 14-6 lead with 5 minutes to go in the second half. Bede’s was hot on attack and looked sure to wear down Hastings on their own line, but sadly the assault was cut short by the half time whistle. The second half saw Hastings break though the line several times and for the first time all season, the Bede’s defense was struggling to cope with so many threats. Hastings went on to dominate the set piece and successfully shut down any counter-attacks to secure their place in the top 4.

Thursday: St Bede’s College 48 – New Plymouth Boys’ High School 26 (Win)

This was the most dominant performance the team had put together for a long time. After having suffered a disappointing loss the day before, Bede’s bounced back to completely overwhelm New Plymouth Boys’. From the first whistle until the last, Bede’s dominated nearly all aspects of the game with a number of the New Plymouth points coming from uncharacteristic defensive errors or later in the game when a raft of substitutions had a number of players playing out of position. Overall an excellent team performance and a fantastic result.

Friday; St Bede’s College 22 – Rotorua Boys’ High School 19 (Win)

The team was very excited to have a chance to settle the score against Rotorua - a number of players had lost two very close games against them in the last two years. The game was played on a very boggy Napier Boys’ field which somehow became even muddier as the game went on. It was not a good start for Bede’s. Rotorua was absolutely dominant in the first 20 minutes, running in two converted tries to put Bede’s down 14-0. However, Bede’s dug deep and came back strong to bring the scores to 14-19 in favour of Rotorua. With 10 minutes to play Ben O’Donovan made an exceptional break before passing the ball off to Amby Pulega to score a magnificent 40m breakout try on the sideline. Isaac Hutchinson, who had kicked well all season had the difficult task of converting a try from the sideline, the ball hit the upright and just about dropped over. As a result, the game went into overtime shortly thereafter. Five minutes to be played in two halves, if the score was still tied then Rotorua would win based on first try scored. Bede’s started extra time well, dominated possession and territory. Captain Andre Sula stood up and lead by example in this extra spell with superb defence and ranging ball carries on the edge. Isaac Hutchinson was able to secure redemption with a solid penalty shot to put Bede’s in the lead by three points. By this stage, the more conditioned players from Bede’s were playing at a pace that kept Rotorua out of the game and managed to hold out for a very satisfying win at the end of extra time.

Final Rankings:

1. Hastings Boys’ High School

2. Hamilton Boys’ High School

3. Palmerston North Boys’ High School

4. Napier Boys’ High School

5. St Bede’s College

6. Rotorua Boys’ High School

7. New Plymouth Boys’ High School

8. Auckland Grammar

9. Wesley College

10. Tauranga Boys’ High School

11. Mount Albert Grammar

12. Westlake Boys’ High School

13. Christchurch Boys’ High School

14. Otago Boys’ High School

15. Wellington College

16. St Pats Town

I would like to express my thanks to the team captain Andre Sula and the rest of the players for their dedication and patience throughout the season, as well as their bravery at tournament. Thanks, must also go to the parents, sponsors, supporters and rugby club for all their support this year. Lastly, I am hugely grateful to my co-coach Diarmuid McMahon for his expertise, passion and positivity throughout the season, as well as the team manager Jon McDowell whose tireless work behind the scenes made much of what the team did this year possible.