Feature Article & Match Report vs CBHS 3rd XV Won 25-18

Second teams in schools with genuine rugby programmes play a key role in terms of developing players to excel the following year, either in their system or in clubs after the boys leave school. With the removal of the U16 grade, our 3rd XV has become our genuine third team from this season, so the competition for positions in our three most senior teams has become even fiercer. If we count some of the boys in the 4th XV, each week there are now upwards of 80 young men in our senior school teams who are pressing their claim for positions. The level in U18 section 1 is particularly high - it is no exaggeration to say that the teams at the top of this section could compete in the Crusader Region 1st XV tournament. As a result, those involved in the 2nd XV face expectations, scrutiny and pressures similar to what is felt at 1st XV level. In this context, we are very grateful to the coaches and managers who contribute their time and effort to help the boys enjoy their rugby in our 2nd XV.

This week, our 2nd XV played against Christchurch BHS 3rd XV. After having beaten the CBHS 2nd XV at Straven Road earlier in the season, this match against another strong Boys' High team was always going to be closely contested. The final score was 25-18, with St Bede's scoring four tries to their three. At times we looked clearly the better side, but we struggled to kick free of what was a tenacious CBHS team. Our tries were all well constructed and there were moments that were as good as anything so far this season, but for the most part we were caught in an arm-wrestle in channel one where the CBHS defence was staunch. Our inability to adjust our attack and get into our shape is something the coaches will no doubt work on in the coming week.

Ben Hanrahan scored a nice try from a 8-9-14 blindside move. Oliver Lawry chased a lovely kick through by Will Coombes to score. Sam Rochford supported well to receive a well-delivered offload from Charlie Stenberg and Roan Brown finished a well-constructed attack after a series of breakdowns. We caused problems for their defence when we managed to get the ball wide, but failed to do so often enough, instead getting "caught in the trenches" where CBHS were happy to wrestle all day.

Scorers: Oliver Lawry try, Ben Hanrahan try, Sam Rochford try, Roan Brown try, Elliot Prendergast 1 conversion, Charlie Stenberg 1 penalty goal. CBHS 3 tries, 1 penalty goal.

Coach Callum Wilson: (TiC Senior Social Sciences & COL Literacy) Callum is a very experienced coach in our system, having coached the 2nd XV for a total of 7 years. He has returned to coaching this year after some time away to focus on postgraduate studies. 

Manager Simon Cooper: (TiC Commerce)

"I've been managing the 2nd XV for a total of four years. Before that, I was involved with various other teams, including the U15As. 

I love working with the senior group of boys in the 2nd XV because of the excitement that exists around pathways and opportunities. By that I mean either making it to the 1st XV or getting into teams beyond that, making Colts teams in clubs. That all contributes to a real air of challenge and positivity. With regard to the team, I've been very impressed in the last couple of years with the talent we've had in the 2nd XV, which led to a very successful season last year. I'm confident it'll be much the same this year. The skill-set of the boys and their general fitness and conditioning is getting better every year - something I put down to the systems that the Rugby Club and the College have put in place." 

Manager Morgan Lynn: (Head of Languages Faculty)

"I have managed 2nd XV rugby teams at St. Bede's for 10 years, coming back this year after two years off. Second XV rugby is highly competitive, both from an in-school view and from a competition point of view. I think our goal is to nurture players so that they push into the 1st XV squad either this year when the opportunity arises, or next year when the new 1st team is named. This year, the 2nd XV squad impresses me because of their discipline. By that I mean the discipline they show during games and their discipline on the sideline when they are supporting their team members. They're also incredibly committed. It's been an absolute pleasure so far to work with them this year. I look forward to the rest of the season."

Coach Mpho Mbiyozo: 

"My main role is with the backs and to help with attack. There are some really good quality boys in the team. The beauty of it is that some of them are still young and still have another year at school, so they have got a good chance of putting their hands up for the 1st XV next year. My role is to help up-skill them as much as I can. It's been an enjoyable season so far. We've won a lot games, which is always a bonus. But the really pleasing thing to see is the growth of the boys and their willingness to learn and accept knowledge from a different person."

(Mpho was a member of the South African Sevens team, known as the Blitzbok, from 2006 until 2009 when he was their captain. He played Super Rugby for the Southern Kings and scored a try against the 2009 British and Irish Lions. Mpho is now Belfast RFC senior coach and RDO.) 

Coach Simon Gunn:

"My rugby background saw me spend most of my time playing in North Canterbury where I played for Kaiapoi Seniors, whom I still coach. I was lucky enough to play more than 250 games for them. I was fortunate enough to spend some time overseas as a professional player, where I got lots of opportunities, so I always thought it would be great to get involved as a coach and give back. I'm enjoying my time with the 2nd XV. We've got a good nucleus of more experienced players and some guys who haven't played a lot of footy, but they are all really keen to learn and they're energized. We have some who have already played for the 1st XV, and others who are aspiring to be 1st XV players.  It's quite a strong group. We make them work quite hard on the grass, on Tuesday and Thursday, and they're pretty honest about how they do that. We promote the values of the school as part of how we want to play the game and have a lot of fun in the process. We've got a really good coaching group and some very capable managers in Morgan and 'Scoops', who keep us in line. So, it's a great experience for all of us."

(Simon played for Kaiapoi RFC and the Crusaders here in Canterbury and the Glasgow Warriors and Border Reivers in Scotland. He still coaches at Kaiapoi seniors in addition to our 2nd XV.)