Semi-finals for many teams

1st XV vs Nelson College lost 19-45 (Miles-Toyota Championship Final)

The first half was a fairly even affair with our team bouncing back from an early Nelson try to score two of our own. The game was in the balance at half time. The team felt that if they could sustain this effort they would be in the game at the end. Half time: 19-14 to Nelson Boys’

Unfortunately In the second half, we allowed Nelson to gain dominance in territory and possession. They turned this into points. Our boys never gave up and their efforts were rewarded with a late consolation try but there is no doubt that Nelson were the best team on the day and deserved the win. Full time 45-19 to Nelson Boys’

Tries: Tanner Stowers-Smith, Herewini Rata McLeod and Cameron Rawlings. Conversions: Ben Trillo 2.

The team was very grateful for the fervent support of its parents and friends group. Their backing over the course of the season has been outstanding.

Three team members were awarded their caps in this game. They began this game on the bench but all three have consistently made a valuable contribution to the team’s success. 1st 5/8 Josh Cusin is a very fluid player with an attractive long pass. Mitch Pile playing at lock has always proven to be a handful to contain. Indeed he scored three tries coming off the bench in a recent game. Hooker Jacob Horton has been an important member of our tight forward group after he joined the team to replace Campbell Allison whose season ended abruptly due to significant injury early in the competition.

2nd XV drew 18-18 vs CC 2nd XV

The team played its semifinal at home to a resurgent Christ's College. This College team has improved dramatically throughout the season, and we knew they would be up for this contest. A complexity even before kick-off was the matter of the 1st XV Final up north. Obviously there was plenty of interest from our players in this game and, without careful self management, there was a chance for them to lose focus on our game at 2.45. A good call was made for players to watch the game together at Max Coltman's residence, which allowed the players to be together, and debrief on that game, before arriving for their own. The team started the game excellently. Just five minutes in fullback and captain Harry Friend dotted down for a try on the back of a few phases strung together. Christ's were next to score with a penalty to make it 5-3 after 10mins. Stand-out centre Noah Barrett then slotted a 40m penalty to push the score to 8-3. The team held this lead through stalwart defence, Heinrich Muller and Vili Fifita leading the way. The defence even held with Christ's hammering away on the 5m for an uncomfortable amount of time. However, after a mountain of effort on defence the line finally broke right on halftime as Christ's scored. 8-10 at the break and everything to play for.The second half started well but the game was very evenly poised. It was us that blinked first, and Christ's snuck in their second try of the match to make it 8-15 with about 20 minutes remaining. When Christ's slotted another penalty, as a result of more solid defence protecting the line, the scoreline pushed to 8-10, and the team needed to respond. Down by 10 points scoring next was absolutely essential. What followed was a fine example of a team not panicking and a group of young men showing true grit. Christ's had a player binned for illegal clean-out and the Bedeans went to work. 10 points were scored in the next ten minutes. A penalty and conversion to Noah Barrett alongside a industrious try to forward Makahni Kerr bulldozing over from close to the ruck. Scores were tied with over 10mins remaining. No 8 Vili Fifita was then binned, in a harsh call, for raising the legs in a tackle...the team now needed to finish this semifinal a key man down. Though there were some hairy moments, most of the final 10 minutes were played in Christ's Colleges half with us in control. There was the feel that, had thr game gone a little longer, we would have forced a penalty goal or scored a try. In a bizarre and dramatic affair the score at full time was 18-18. Being a semifinal there was some uncertainty about what came next. There was to be no extra time. Since both teams had scored two tries the result was decided by standings, where our effort to be top qualifier paid huge dividends. A big congratulations to the team on a noteworthy come back to save the game and push the season one more week. 

3rd XV won 24-15 vs Shirley BHS 2nd XV

Our team came into this semi final against a Shirley team who beat us 29 - 12 in Round One and 34-10 in Round Two. They were unbeaten in both rounds and unlucky not to be promoted after Round One. We had a good wins in our previous two games so came into this semi with some confidence. The game kicked off and Shirley scored after 5 minutes from a lineout drive. Our players were tackling well and shutting down the opposition in the midfield and out wide. As the game went on we could see that the teams were more evenly matched than in the last two games. St Bede's had some good attacking moments on the Shirley line but came away unrewarded. However on another foray to the Shirley line, and a series of rucks, Kaede Kurosu went over and Kyle Peterson nailed a good conversion. Half time score 7 to 5 to St Bede's. A few changes were made at halftime and a good discussion was had in the team huddle. The team was playing well with a lot of tenacity. The changes brought good energy and at the 41st minute Josh Macdonald went over after good forward work close to the line. Shirley added a penalty but then Benson Geary at hooker went over after a front of the lineout move and a strong burst down the sideline. Shirley then came back and scored a converted try and the score was 17 to 15 to St Bede's. However our players were starting to take control of the game and were playing mostly in the Shirley half. On a number of occasions we breached their defensive line only to be shut down by the covering defence. On the last play of the game and with Shirley going backwards under pressure Flynn Martin picked the loose ball up and his speed took him over for an excellent try. Our players had won a hard fought encounter 24 to 15 and turned around the previous results in the earlier rounds. They are building nicely, showing great team work and the benefits of excellent coaching, and will play St Andrew's in the final next Saturday.
Tries: Kaede Kurosu, Josh Macdonald, Benson Geary, Flynn Martin.
Conversions: Kyle Peterson 1, Caleb Stevens 1.
Forward of the day: Alex Milnes
Back of the day: Tom Robertson
Player of the day: Finn Brook 

4th XV lost 24-29 to CBHS 7th XV

As expected this was a fiercely fought semi-final. We started well and took an early 10- 0 lead but CBHS fought back and scored a couple of well taken tries to lead 14 -10 , a lead they would never relinquish. In the second spell we set up numerous opportunities to strike back but let ourselves down with our final execution such as a poor lineout, penalty kicks not finding touch or handling lapses. It would be fair to say that in the end analysis CBHS nailed their chances and we did not.In the forwards Jack Hendren and Josh Ashdowne both maintained their high energy work rates throughout while Nick Scully tackled his heart out. Jared Talanoa was strong on the burst and Hamish Rooney had the distinction of finishing his SBC career with a superb sideline conversion to finish the game. In the backs James Florence continued with his good form and is certainly capable enough of gracing higher teams in the future. Joey Pawson was fearless in the tackle situation and showed how good technique could lower the big ball runners. Ben O’ Kane was very useful out wide and ‘J ‘ bought a physical edge to the second half exchanges. The boys can be proud of the improvement shown over the year and they can also be very proud of the spirit they displayed as well as the genuine appreciation they showed to the rugby club and the coaches all season.

U75kgs "Red" won 38-17 vs StAC U75kgs

The U75kg Red team went into their semi-final against St Andrew’s well rested having earned a bye weekend for finishing top of the round robin stage. The squad had trained well and were nearly at full strength.

St Bede’s started well and in the first 15 minutes of the game played some of their best rugby of the season, playing with structure, tempo and good execution. This led to well finished tries from Max Hammett and Connor Stewart out wide. A full game of AFL prior to kick off seemed to have warmed up Max Hammett’s kicking game and he had a flawless day from the tee. The game then changed a little as St Bede’s struggled to see much of the ball as St Andrew’s were a well organised side who retained possession well and were able to go through a numerous phases. After a long period of possession St Andrew’s scored a contentious try in the corner and whilst it looked a little puzzling to the players and spectators, it was a good lesson and reminder that you play to the whistle. With the score 21-5, the momentum had shifted and St Andrew’s were able hold onto the ball for long periods making good ground driving around the sides of the ruck and they scored a converted try to bring the game back to 21-12. St Bede’s were able to wrestle back sone momentum and possession and this led to some good play and a converted try out wide for Neil Kamat. The half-time score of 28-12 was good reward for the early clinical play, but the players knew they had work to do.

Nick Read returning from ‘heart surgery’ had an immediate impact from the bench, but the start of the second half was all St Andrew’s and it took some great defensive work to hold them out. Some crucial turnovers from Finn Parkyn and Ronan Davidson relieved done pressure, but StAC eventually got over the line to score an unconverted try to make the game 28-17. It was a nervous period, but St Bede’s finally got ther hands on the ball with Ollie Meates managing to disrupt and steal lineout ball, the team worked their way up the field. With it being finals rugby, St Bede’s opted to take points when they could and kicked a penalty to stretch the lead out to 14 points. The match was then fairly even, with fitness flagging, but St Bede’s dug deep; Gus Knutson, Elijah Butts and Ronan Davidson all put in huge defensive shifts, repeatedly knocking St Andrew’s back behind the gain line. St Bede’s managed to force their way over for a final score out wide, which was duly covered by Max Hammett. The game ended with a 38-17 win for St Bede’s and a place in the final.

The team now play CBHS in the final and with a good week of training are confident of finishing strongly and giving a fitting send off to the Year 13 boys, in what will be their final game of rugby for St Bede’s.

U75kgs "Black" lost 21-33 to CBHS "Blue"

St Bede's U75kg Black (3rd) are playing Boys' High U75kg Blue team (2nd). This is the semi final played at Boys' High on the number 1 field, which is always a tough task.

First half: Boys' High kicked off and as expected the game was played at a fast pace with long passages of play between set pieces. As anticipated there was a fair amount of passion and willingness from both teams with a lot of physicality at the breakdown and in the tackles.

Boys' High had most of the early running with St Bede's defence keeping them in the game.

After 10 minutes Boys' High started pressing hard on attack and were rewarded with a try from a mid field miss match, well converted 7-0 to Boys' High.

An injury to Guy Sherry after 12 minutes meant that the bench was in the game early.

The rest of the second half was dominated by Boys High while St Bedes was starved of possession and any ball that they did get was given up too easily.

In the 31st minute St Bede's gave away two penalties, one after the other, which led to a Boys' High try in the corner that was very well converted. 14 - 0 to Boys' High at half time.

Although Boys' High had most of the play in the first half there were some strong runs from Reo Maeda, however he ran out of space and support and the backline spread the ball well.

Second Half.

St Bede's kicked off and put a lot of pressure on the Boys' High team who gave away two quick penalties that led to a scrum on the Boys' High 5m line.

A good break from Mitchell Murtha gave an opportunity for Dominic Knill to score in the 3rd minute and the conversion was good. 14 - 7 to Boys' High.

The crowd started to get into the game at this stage and there was plenty of advice for the referee who carried on unaffected.

Boys' High attacked the St Bede's line for the next 5 minutes and were rewarded with a try under the posts. 21 - 7 to Boys' High.

The kick off was again strongly contested and St Bede's gained possession and were awarded a penalty, a quick tap and another penalty was awarded. The next move was yet another penalty and the referee put Boys' High on a warning for back chat.

St Bede's took the scrum and put the loose head prop, Henry Prior, out wide and after a strong run and a few missed tackles he scored. Try converted. 21 - 14

Boys' High went back on attack and St Bede's spent the next part of the game defending. After about the 5th phase a try was awarded to Boys' High in the corner after the referee consulted with the touch judge about a foot (whole leg) in touch, just in apparently. 26 - 14

St Bede's put pressure on the kick off and a penalty was awarded and another scrum was called. This time it went wide and Jack Allnutt scored in the corner. A great conversion. 26 - 21

Things were starting to get a bit tense at this stage as the game was anyone’s.

Boys' High went back on attack for the rest of the half and St Bedes couldn't clear their line.

The line broke in the last play of the game and Boys' High scored, winning the match 33 - 21.

Boys' High were deserved winners as they had most of the possession and field position. It's a good lesson for St Bede's on ball security as they spent most of the game on defence, but when they did get the ball and string a few phases together they were more than competitive.

U75kg Black PoD - Forward - Jack Allnutt, back Connor Johnston, General Luke Norton

U15 "Black" lost 5-46 to Hillmorton HS U15

After a good win last week against Boys' High, the U15 Black team qualified fourth for the semi-finals. It was always going to be a big a challenge against Hillmorton who qualified top of the section and were unbeaten all year.

Hillmorton started strongly scoring 3 tries in the first 13 mins, but the boys lifted their game, held strong and only let in one more try before half time. Hillmorton’s big pack were hard to contain but the boys tackled and took every attacking opportunity, finally crossing the line once in the second half with a try to Noah Whitfield.

Under tough conditions some strong performances in forwards from Nash Moir, Ed Price, Josh Scott, Oscar Bekhius and Noah Whitfield. The whole backline tackled their hearts out and when the opportunities came, there were some good attacking options from Jack Sparrow, Nick Weir, Noah McKay and Danny Boyce.

After a disrupted season due to sickness, weather, a cancelled game and a bye, I was really proud to see the team make the semi-finals and to play with pride right to the final whistle.

Congratulations to Noah Whitfield forward of the day and Danny Boyce back of the day.

U15 "White" lost by default to Haeata U15

U15 "Blue" lost 7-61 to Burnside U15 

Conditions perfect for an U15 section 3 semifinal hosted at Burnside. The St Bede's U15 Blue team vs the Burnside U15 team. Going into this game the boys knew 3 things, the opposition wanted to win, winning wouldn’t be easy and we needed to keep our composure for the duration of the game. Burnside came out strongly to take the upper hand at halftime. With tough individual battles from each back and a high intensity game in the forwards a try showed the side's willingness to continue regardless of scoreboard. Ashton Corcoran dotting down and converting his own try. After a tough challenge the boys were unable to get across the line ultimately ending the game with Burnside being the victors of this semi final. Ending with humility and heads held high it may have not been the ideal finish we wanted but undoubtedly fun was had on Saturday and the whole season.

U14 "Davidson" lost 22-38 to Merivale Papanui U14

U14 Davidson had a tough encounter against Merivale Papanui and came off second best on Saturday. The boys had worked hard all season but could not get the job done against a determined Merivale Papanui team who at the end of the day wanted the game more. We would like to thank the boys for a fabulous season and all the best for their futures in St Bede's rugby.

U14 "Dunne" won 24-14 vs CC U14B

This week U14 Dunne hosted Christ's College for the semi final on a heavy pitch. First half kicked off and was slow to start with both teams building into the game. College committed a lot of players to the ruck and the game became an arm wrestle with College breaking out first and scoring. Bede's came back through a strong run from Lui Vaipulu scoring and converted by Kaden Roberts. First half 7 all.

Second half Bede's built pressure and retained the ball to hammer away at the college line with multiple phases and Harry Murphy breaking their defence to score, converted by Jack Hislop. Bede's continued to dominate set pieces and territory. College struck back to tie against the run of play.Bedes then took control with a clever chip kick by Ethan O'Donovan which he regathered to score. Building phases from the kick off Bede's closed out the game with Fergus Daly breaking through for a good team constructed try. Final score 24-14Bedean of the week Lui Vaipulu for strong carries and some great off loads.

U14 "Freeman" lost 17-31 to STC U14 Red

This was the boys' last game of the season and they wanted to make the most of it against St Thomas U14. The boys put up an amazing defence in the first half, with neither teams scorning until the last few minutes of the half. Rupeni took advantage of a mistake made by the St Thomas side, he kicked and chased score the first points for our team. Rau kicked it over to make the score 7-5. In the second half we saw some amazing tackles from the forwards as well as the backs to a superior in size team. Coll was put into flanker and was able to push through the St Thomas team to score. After this the St Thomas team scored 4 more times and the boys were determined to finish with at least 1 more try. James Allison was able to do so in the final play putting the final score at 17-31. It was an unfortunate loss but the boys enjoyed the game. On behalf of all the coaches (Paul, Josh and Jacob) we would like to thank the boys for a great season and as well as the parents for supporting the boys throughout the season through the cold and rain. We would also like to thank Sam for managing throughout the season. Good luck boys with your future in rugby at St Bede's and without a doubt we will see some of you in the 1st XV in the future.

U55kgs lost 19-50 to StAC

Outstanding effort from 16 dedicated men today! Written off by many before the whistle, and probably by me after 4 tries in 15 minutes by St Andrew's - The unbeaten and clear runaway leaders of the comp. Our men had a resolve though. Luke Francis picked off an intercept after 17min to start our resistance with a great 25metre run to the line. HT down 33-7 Centre Harry Gorman lead our defensive effort in the backs all day harassing the 10 and 12 into mistakes. Skipper and player of the day Joe O'Kane was incisive with his runs and support play from Fullback. Lock forward Hugo Fleck epitomised the team desire to run down the STAC mid fielder and make a crucial tackle and force a penalty. Half back turn winger Bede Lee scored a great team try in the corner and prop/flanker Bryn Fisher also dotted down. While we lost 50-19 the team can be proud of a tremendous effort. Our playing season may be now over, but we will get the team together for a celebration (keep an eye out for details). Thanks also to the parents, supporters and sponsors throughout the season. Coaches Ben, Max and Carter have grown into their roles really well and have enriched the experience. Big thanks to Aileen for her management and eye for detail.