Trustbank Cup Challenge Match Won 29-20

The condition of our No. 1 field was always going to play a big part in this game. Less than a week ago the field looked more like a lake than a pitch. Fortunately, some of the investment in drainage in recent years has paid off and the field was heavy but very playable.

Much was expected of this game between two of the top four teams on the points table. Although St Bede’s scored a seemingly easy try early in the game it was soon evident that these two teams were fairly evenly matched. It has been said that little separates the top four teams in the competition. (In the match of the other top two teams earlier in the day, St Thomas beat Nelson at home 33-31)

The game see-sawed with both teams pressing each other hard close to the goal line. Our defence was superior with the team holding out many phases of close in attack.

Half time 17-13 to SBC

In the second half, a well-balanced effort from our team swung the game in our favour. They out-scored CBHS 12 to 7 to take the win. It was a tight game but there was a sense that we, generally speaking, had the upper hand. This is a team that is still improving.

Full time 29-20 to SBC

This win earned the team the much-coveted St Bede’s trophy, the REDDER Cup. This is awarded to any St Bede’s team that beats Boys' High, Christ’s and STAC in a season. This is only the 10th time the 1st XV has achieved this and it repeats last year’s similar success.

The other very notable accomplishment that the 1st XV achieved with this win was earning the Trust Bank Cup. This is the South Island 1st XV equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield and must be put on the line every time the holder plays a South Island 1st XV.

The Billy Harmon MVP award was presented to Tanner Stowers-Smith for his powerful carries and devastating defence.

The Origin Award went to hooker Junior Harris who came off the bench (after over a month on the injury list) and instantly showed his intent and determination. The whole team was saddened to see him having to leave the field with what could be another significant injury.

Tries: Andre Sula, Kalani Griffiths, Suliasi Faiva, Cameron Rawlings. Conversions: Ben Trillo 3. Penalties: Ben Trillo.

Two senior players earned their Black Tassels for their Caps for 25 games for the 1st XV. Both Ollie Robb and Tanner Stowers-Smith have served their team with both distinction and passion.

Additionally, there were three newly capped players: Prop Kalani Griffiths and Hooker Sam Ifopo are, as mentioned in last weeks report, arguably the most improved forwards in our pack. Loose forward Stijn Lutters also earned his cap. He has been dynamic off the bench and has proven himself a nightmare for the opposition at the breakdown.

Next Saturday sees the 1st XV play Nelson Boys’ in a home game. This game is being televised live by Sky Sport. More significantly, the winner of this game could earn themselves a home semi-final which, as we all know, is always a significant advantage.