19 June vs CBHS U15 "B" won 29-12

The U15 "Black" team is one of our many well-coached and managed groups. While the disbanding of U15 "White" meant that some of the boys from that group had to be absorbed into the "Black" team, creating a large squad, this has been skilfully handled by all concerned. There has also been a good level of collaboration between the management groups of the U15 "Red" and "Black" teams, something that is crucial in terms of accommodating the aspirations of the boys at this key stage of our player-development process. This collaboration has seen the U15 teams cope with the unfortunate series of injuries that has been a feature of the early season.

U15 "Black" head coach Jade Kirk is an experienced coach, having looked after junior and senior grade teams in the Christchurch FC for the past several years. The team has two student coaches: James Methven (2nd XV) and Will Penney (4th XV) and is very capably managed by parents Andy Spanton and Roger Johnston. 

Match Report vs Christchurch BHS U15B won 29-12

The Bede's lads came away with an excellent win today against the previously unbeaten Boys' High team. The lads started well and found some space down the flanks, with Andrew Burns going over for an early try. The forward pack was getting stuck in against a big CBHS pack and some good tactical kicking kept the ball in front of the forwards. Boys' High came back with a try however Andrew Burns scored again in a length of the field run, and another good try by Connor Johnston was added for Bede's to lead by 19 to 5 at the half. Boys' High started well in the second half and camped on the SBC line for 20 minutes. However huge ruck defence, powerful tackles and an aggressive defensive line by Bede's ensured that Boys' High didn't score a try. This was a particularly good stanza of play for Bede's and highlighted the character within this team. Dan P then added a try against the run of play, Boys' High scored out wide, then Solomon scored after a great run by Max Kirk. Further good defence closed the game out for Bede's as they completed a meritorious victory. Tries: Andrew Burns 2, Connor, Dan Parkin, Solomon Spanton
Conversions: Max Kirk 2, Forward of the Day: Finn Gavigan
Back of the Day: Tommy Gunn
Player of the Day: Andrew Burns

Coach Jade Kirk

Coach James Methven

"My time with the U15 Black team has been very enjoyable, the boys teach me as much as I teach them. They teach me patience, which at times can be low, but also teach me a new appreciation for the game. They are a great group of lads, who are keen to get out and play some great rugby each week. My role as a coach is made easy with great support from Jade, Roger, and Andy as well as the support of the parents of the boys. It is great to be able to give back and become a coach for the Rugby Club as it has given me heaps of opportunities over the last 5 years. I’m excited to see what the rest of the season brings with the boys."  

Coach Will Penney

"My time with the St Bede's U15 Black team has been a great experience for me. I have learnt a lot from the other more experienced coaches and the boys themselves. I have become a better player because of it. I'm very proud about how much the boys have improved already this season and am very excited to see what’s to come."

Manager Andy Spanton 

"I'm really enjoying managing the Under 15 Black team this year, after being the manager for the U14 Stags last year. I find that helping out with the team is a great way to give back to the school and our community. The core of our team have come from last year's U14 B team and we have added a number of players who played in the weighted grades last year. It's been really good to see our lads come together (won 3, lost 1 so far) with some excellent coaching by Jade, and student coaches James and William, plus rugby advisor Roger. We have a very big squad so boys and parents are having to be patient,especially as there is reduced game time and some stand downs each weekend. However it's excellent to see the non playing lads turn up to help out by running the touch line, videoing and compiling stats. I look to support the coaches by scoring the games and communicating with the team as necessary, and giving encouragement to the lads. I really enjoy seeing each lad grow in confidence and improve their game throughout the season, and sign on to play the following season..."

Manager Roger Johnston 

"It’s exciting to be involved with such a good coaching/management set-up and a great bunch of boys. I love to see players develop and fulfil their potential and keep in sport.
I help the coaching/management set-up to ensure we exemplify St Bede’s values and also sometimes help out to keep the boys focused.
My main role is to run the subs so that Jade, James and Will can focus on the team and coaching and Andy on managing duties.
With such a large squad (and particularly in certain positions) it’s a constant challenge to make sure everyone gets a fair chance and good game time. We use a number of criteria that helps us with team selection e.g. commitment, attitude and participation at training, future unavailability, teamwork, fitness and form. We have a supportive and understanding group of parents and they have brought in to the approach and the boys have signed the code of conduct.
The game day non-playing reserves are encouraged to attend the game and support the team e.g. touch judge, run the water out, run the tee out, take stats or maybe even film the game."