28 May Match Report vs Haeata Community Campus

Following last year’s lead after the disbanding of the U16 grade, the 2022 SBC 3rd XV is a large squad made up mostly of Year 11s, some Year 12s and a handful of Year 13s for leadership. Our goal is for the young men to have an enjoyable experience with one eye on building future St Bede’s 1st and 2nd XV players.

Our team is starting to gel after coming together from seven different teams. We’re calmly coached by vastly experienced coach Wayne Robertson and eager University student coach Braydon Johnston with the support of parent managers Andy Spanton and Roger Johnston.

We have size in our front row and athletic, mobile locks and loose forwards with a pacey backline and elusive finishers out wide. Perfect for our game plan – fast and wide with a balance of structure and instinct built on a foundation of defence and discipline.

Wayne has delivered a self-directed player approach to the team. Everyone has a voice and is encouraged to think, learn, and grow. Our team culture is building and we’ve had some good rugby already in pre-season, grading and our first round robin game scoring a combined 27 tries and only conceding seven.

SBC 3rd XV is in Section 2 of the U18 grade. We expect a tough challenge from Shirley BHS 2nds and Haeata Community Campus (effectively their 1st XV) who would both want to be in Section 1, also traditional rivals Christchurch Boys' High and Christ’s College, and an element of unknown in club side Burnside.

It’s an exciting season ahead with some indoor and outdoor team activities planned and a tour game against Nelson Boys' High too. Co-manager Andy Spanton: Over the last 2.5 years I've really enjoyed managing St Bede's cricket and rugby teams. In my experience it's very rewarding to work with and support a keen bunch of lads who are into playing sports. In terms of service I find that helping to run a team is a great way to give back to our community. It's exciting to be co-managing the 3rds this year with Roger and supporting the coaches Wayne and Braydon. My role focuses on weekly communications with the team, looking after injuries on the day, and scoring the games. At the end of the season it's great to see that the boys have grown their skills and had a satisfying experience. I think that it's important that they know that they belong to the team, are cared for, and are representing the legacy that is St Bede's rugby. Having the lads sign up to play again next season indicates that we - as the team management group - have done a good job. 

Match report

Today we played Haeata Community Campus in our second game of the competition proper.

It is still early in the season and we prepared for the game knowing that it was going to be an extremely tough physical battle ... we were not disappointed.

At the end of the day Haeata played to their strengths and plan better than we did, narrowly winning the contest 22-20 although the score see-sawed back and forward through-out the entire game.

It is after reflecting on games like this that you get the opportunity to really learn and develop on both as a player and a team. Our physical effort could not be faulted and was huge especially on defence and at the breakdown. We scored some great tries by getting into good field position, retaining the ball and using our mobility and rugby skills however for us to have had a better chance of getting the result today we just needed to do this more often.

Whilst every player contributed today, there were three players that rose above the others.

Forward of the Day – Jack Dennehy-Coles

Back of the Day - Noah Allison

Overall player of the Day – Lachie Daly

We are already looking forward to making improvements, growing as a team and taking on our next challenge. 

Asst coach (forward) Braydon Johnson
I am currently studying at University of ~Canterbury, doing sports coaching (strength & conditioning ). Through this I was approached to assist with the 3rd XV. This is a really exciting opportunity for me as I’ve just had shoulder surgery and am unable to play so being able to pass on knowledge to the next generation is very exciting.
I’ve been working with the forwards focusing on set pieces and getting a steady platform for the team to work with. I also work alongside the strength & conditioning programme with st bedes and being able to assist the boys in the gym. I’m looking forward to a great season with a great team on and off the field.

Manager Roger Johnston

It's rewarding being involved in a talented coaching/management setup with a wide range of skills and experience and a group of players who are willing and keen to learn and improve their rugby. We are also aptly supported by the RDO in the background.

I like applying my business skills of people management and strategic thinking in helping the SBC 3rd XV. We have a large squad and there is a lot to manage with injuries, sickness and rotation. My main role is managing the subs and helping with team communications so Wayne and Braydon can focus on the technical stuff.

I’m passionate about rugby and enjoy being part of this team who represent the St Bede’s values.

Lastly, I’d like to mention the awesome bunch of supporters we have too!

Co-manager Andy Spanton

Over the last 2.5 years I've really enjoyed managing St Bede's cricket and rugby teams. In my experience it's very rewarding to work with and support a keen bunch of lads who are into playing sports. In terms of service I find that helping to run a team is a great way to give back to our community. It's exciting to be co-managing the 3rds this year with Roger and supporting the coaches Wayne and Braydon. My role focuses on weekly communications with the team, looking after injuries on the day, and scoring the games. At the end of the season it's great to see that the boys have grown their skills and had a satisfying experience. I think that it's important that they know that they belong to the team, are cared for, and are representing the legacy that is St Bede's rugby. Having the lads sign up to play again next season indicates that we - as the team management group - have done a good job.