Former deputy rector and 1st XV coach Gary Lennon’s contribution to Bedean rugby is remembered fondly by St. Bede’s rugby people of a certain vintage.

Q: Tell us about the early Top Four tournaments please.

“Top Four” tournaments in the 80s were by invitation and in the three-term year system were held in the August holidays, so invitations were based originally on the previous season’s form. St. Bede’s won both the U18 grade and the Christchurch inter-school title in 1982 so were front runners in 1983 and invited before suffering a loss to Christchurch BHS. On Eden Park back ground we faced the Moascar Cup holders, Gisborne BHS, in the first round, and after facing a ferocious haka proceeded to dominate them up front to the delight of Auckland Grammar principal John Graham. The boot of Tony Ziolo complemented the forward effort for a convincing 19-3 win.

The final on Eden Park was against Auckland Grammar and despite holding the favourites to 10-all the second half pressure told and a penalty try was the final scoring movement to Grammar who won 20-10. However, after such a great showing, no longer would Aucklanders ask the question “St. Bede’s from where?”

The 1984 tournament was in Christchurch so there were two South Island teams: SBC as joint winners and Otago BHS; with the two Maori colleges, Te Aute and St. Stephen’s from the North Island. Te Aute performed a fearsome haka and threatened to overrun Bede’s but a strong defensive second half held Te Aute to a narrow win with captain Matt Stone and an unwell Jon Preston (future All Black) outstanding.

The play-off for third saw the two battered South Island schools in a very tight struggle finally sealed as a 22-17 St. Bede’s win with a dropped goal by Tony O’Regan.

Q: The 1998 final against Aranui HS.

The 1998 final against Aranui HS at Rugby Park climaxed a controversial season with Aranui upsetting CBHS and Bede’s losing the last round robin game at STAC and then returning a week later to win the semi. St. Bede’s answered the Aranui physicality with forward control and the skills of halfback, Jamie Nutbrown and first-five, Cameron McIntyre. The final play saw Aranui HS miss a kick at goal leaving a large crowd applauding a hard-fought 5-5 draw. This was the third of four games played against Aranui in 1998, with the results being a win, 2 draws and a loss.

Q: The change from the Under 19 to Under 18 and then to the UC Championship.

The change from the Under 19 to Under 18 and now school sides only in the UC Championship has certainly allowed the smaller schools the chance to compete even when having to combine. In the old system, University, Lincoln College and Marist Under 19 under Fr. John Weir were often too physical for fifth form schoolboys. The change to Under 18 was appreciated by most though Christchurch BHS seceded at one stage because of lack of competition. The club/school cooperation did heal the division sometimes and allowed “own arrangements” for traditional fixtures which result in the current very heavy programmes. The establishment of NZ Secondary Schools, regional tournaments, interprovincial games, tours and visiting international teams as well as under age tournaments have put great pressure on 1st XV players with sometimes conflicting demands and “burnout” through attempting to meet so many commitments.

The Press Cup and UC Championship have been very successful in building interest among senior secondary school followers, though it must be added the lack of information in The Press at the moment is very disappointing. Crowds rivalling those of the “old days” of fields ringed with people are again commonplace. Traditional games are always well supported but with Timaru BHS and Nelson College playing other top Christchurch schools as well as their traditional rivals interest is more widely spread than in the past.

Q: Your years coaching the 3rd XV.

After 14 years with the Firsts, 1989 meant a new challenge with the Third XV. Keen, able seniors who had failed in their ambitions for higher honours needed a goal to motivate them and responded with an unbeaten season: very satisfying for a 1957 Third XVer as coach.

The second tenure with the 3rds came in 2001 after guest appearances while recuperating in 2000. With the Rugby ESOL Programme flourishing, larger squads contained these players and flair if not experience abounded. The Japanese platoon of keen learners, a South American back’s tenacious defence and a match-winning Danish goal kicker were lasting memories. Back coaches were now utilised and S.J. Lennon, 84 First XVer, and M.J. Dwyer who went on to coach in Italy, ensured 15 man rugby replaced the traditional forward dominance previously employed: 2 grade titles in 5 years was the pleasing return.

All SBC First XV

Criteria: performance as a SBC student, not subsequent honours

Backs: 15 K. Stuart , 14. M. Vincent, 13. W. Meates, 12. E. Heenan [capt], 11. B. Teen, 10. K. Keane, 9. J. Preston.

Forwards . 8 A. Mills, 7. J. Poff 6. A. Earl [vc], 5. J. Burns, 4. V. Stewart 3. R. Mann, 2. K. O’Shannessey, 1. P. Schluter.

Reserves: 16. M. Stone, 17 P. Smith, 18 M. Hanham, 19, K. Meates, 20. E. Dixon; 21. J. Nutbrown, 22. C. McIntyre, 23. C. Stewart

Eras: 30s 2 [Mills, Smith]; 40s 4 [Stuart, W. Meates, Heenan ,K. Meates] ; 50s 4 [Burns, Mann, O’Shannessey, Hanham]; 60s 2 [Teen, V. Stewart]; 70s 2 [Keane, Earl]; 80s 5 [Vincent, Preston, Schluter, Stone, C. Stewart]; 90s 2 [Nutbrown, McIntyre]; 21stc 2 [Poff, Dixon].

Selectors: B.R. Mann, G.P.L., G.R. Davidson

Announced 23 May 2014