The SBC Football Junior XI went into the final of the South Island Secondary Schools' competition at the top of the league with an incredible unbeaten record.

Due to cancellations and the layout of the season the boys had never played second place Shirley Boys', so this game was a real unknown.

The boys showed more focus in the warm up than we have ever seen before and both teams kicked off with real intent. The first five minutes were full-on with both teams giving their all and showing real intensity. St Bede’s managed to gain composure though and in the 6th minute Zack Killick opened the scoring. After gaining the lead the boys really settled into the game and by half time the lead had increased to 3-0 through two picture perfect goals from Jayden Potts.
Knowing that Shirley would come back out after half time wanting to change the game, in the half-time chat Mr Shiel emphasised the need for an early goal to cement the control that SBC had over the game. Around 7 minutes in MOM Luke Gallagher got that goal and from there on St Bede’s played out the rest of the game comfortably. An own goal in the last 10 gave SBC a 5-0 win and the league.
An awesome end to an incredible season – unbeaten champions!

Well done everyone – especially the supportive parents who have helped make this team what it is. Special shoutout to Mike Killick for refereeing and Sophia Cassidy for being team photographer for the year – very much appreciated. Thank you Finn Mounty and Josh Collett for their help coaching and refereeing the boys. Myself and Mr Shiel couldn’t have done it without you all!

Good luck to all the Year 10s now leaving the team and we look forward to seeing what next year brings.