1st XV: the bye

2nd XV vs CBHS 3rd XV won 15-10

https://hail.to/st-bedes-college/article/IQ71xvC

3rd XV vs CBHS 4th XV won 29-17

The 3rds played at CBHS No 2 on a heavy pitch in pleasant weather. They played into the wind in the first half and whilst CBHS dominated possession in the first quarter strong physical tackling and good ruck work by Bede's kept them scoreless. Gradually the 3rds forwards began to up their game, gain more possession, and put pressure on the opposition line. Lachie Daly drove straight through a ruck to score in the 22nd minute (an important score given the boys high inability to cross the Bede's line earlier). Two more good team tries (including an impressive try celebration by Joshua Macdonald), and one try by CBHS meant that the halftime score was 17-5 to St Bede's - a great effort given that they had been playing into the wind. The second half began with Bedes, playing with the wind at their backs, putting consistent pressure on the CBHS line. Eventually Caleb Stevens sidestepped his way over for a nice try which he converted. Another good team try pushed the score out for Bede's, but Boys' High hit back with two tries to close the gap.The game finished with St Bede's putting a lot of pressure on the opposition line but a lack of patience, some white line fever, and good defence from CBHS prevented them from scoring. A slightly mediocre finish to an otherwise strong performance - with the final score 29-17 to St Bede's. Tries: Lachie Daly, Finn Gavigan, Joshua Macdonald, Caleb Stevens, Jack Dennehy-Coles.
Conversions: Caleb Stevens (2)
Forward of the Day: Jack Dennehy-Coles
Back of the Day: Caleb Stevens
Player of the Day: Alex Milnes

4th XV vs STC 3rd XV lost 10-29

After holding our opponents to 7-3 at half time hopes were high as we turned with the wind. However some little errors saw us slip away somewhat in the second half and although we fought gallantly we were not quite good enough to take overall honours. This was a much improved performance on our last game and the boys showed commitment and desire to be competitive. Considering that many of the boys are young and relatively inexperienced this performance should help build their confidence for the upcoming games. As mentioned it is the little errors that are hurting us and if we can eliminate these and become a little more clinical when getting ourselves in to attacking positions we will improve even further. Wills McIntyre had a great game up front and took the ball up strongly all day . Jacob Burke was another who relished the opportunity to run hard with the ball in hand and Hunter Hughes had a number of bruising runs including one near the end which scattered defenders in all directions. In the backs Ben O’ Kane cleared the ball well and was game in defence as was Joey Pawson who never took a backward step when faced with the big ball runners one off the ruck. Alex Tino really used his strength and size well to set up many attacks in the mid-field. Overall everyone lifted from the previous performance and hopefully we can kick on from here in our next games.

U75kg Red vs StAC U75kgs won 53-10

The team went into the match against St Andrew’s College after a good week of training and preparation and it was a day that the side finally ‘clicked’ and showed what they were capable of.

The opening 10 minutes were cagey affair with St Bede’s dominating possession and territory but only able to score a single try for a 7-0 lead. The boys then began to settle into their structure, playing with patience and trusting the work they’d been doing in training. The forwards began to assert some dominance with strong running by Nick Read and Finn Parkyn consistently getting over the gain line. The tries soon started flowing and some great back play led to a number of tries with Connor Stewart, Harvey Scott and Fraser Brown particularly prominent. Max Hammett enjoyed a good day off the kicking tee and both he and Cam Howison led the defensive line well. Great defence kept St Andrew’s scoreless in the first half with Ronan Davidson putting in a huge amount of work.

The half time score of 48-0 was testament to all round effort by the team. A number of changes were made to prevent a blowout with some boys playing out of position and this led to a more scrappy second half, but there was a notable score by Dong Shin. The match finished with a 53-10 win for St Bede’s. The team were very happy with the way they played and will look to take this form into their derby game next weekend.

U75kg Black vs CBHS U75kgs Black won 29-20

A light wind favoured the St Bede’s Black team (Playing in a white strip) as they played a well-drilled CBHS Black team. Many parents took up the option of sitting in the grandstand of the No. 1 field to watch a very even match.

The boys worked hard at trying to pass the ball wide in windy conditions. Both forward packs showed they were able to get over the ball and win vital turnovers. This emphasised that support players needed to be there to protect the ball at all times.

St Bede’s and Boys' High traded blows with both teams scoring well earned tries. One of St Bede’s conversions hitting the cross bar to the gasp of the crowd. Half time Bede’s led 24-10.

Due to injury and sickness there was only one sub. So it meant a big day at the office for the lads. Continued strong tackling, and the forwards taking the ball up the middle they continually earned valuable metres. However, it was frustrating as the light wind picked up to a gust and Boys' High used this to their advantage as they kicked their way down the field to only metres from the Bede’s try line. Sustained pressure saw Boys' High score tries.

However, Bede’s dug in deep and kept the Boys' High team at bay with vital turnovers and strong running rugby.

Tries: Logan Rochford, Billy Lewis, Joey Kilworth, Matthew Brown, Mitchel Murtha.  Conversions: James Goggin and George Watson. Player of Day: Matthew Brown, Best Back: Sam Tippen, Best Forward: Joshua Bain

U15 Red vs CBHS U15 "A" lost 15-17

First game against Boys' High "A" this year and the boys had prepared well. The game started with some stout defence by Bedes. We had trouble getting the ball initially and Boys High soon made some inroads and with a nicely-timed short ball in the midfield were in for a converted try. Soon after we finally had some ball and from a well taken penalty kick to the corner the forwards drove over from the resultant lineout with Bede Giera scoring on his welcome return to the team. A handy conversion by Reuben McIntyre and the scores were tied 7 apiece. This seemed to inspire the boys and from there were able to apply real pressure on defence. The boys were starting to recognise the variation Boys High had with their passing game and were able to make it really difficult for them to get across the gain line. This also meant we were able to gain more ball from ruck turnover or dropped passes. Unfortunately a nasty knock to one of the Boys' bHigh players meant the game was moved to no 1 while he was attended to. The half continued as an even contest with field position being key. With no further score and the norwester at our backs in the second half the boys were in the game.

The second half saw a continuation of the tight battle with Bede's probably having the better field position overall but neither side breaking the deadlock. It wasn’t until 20 minutes into the second half that Bede's were able to create space down the left flank thanks to some strong ball carrying up the middle. With the ball shifted there Finn Pearson was able to elude the last defender to score out wide. Score 12 – 7. The boys stuck to their strong defence and were making every effort to hold out a late rally by Boys' High. Unfortunately a converted try to them in the 70th minute meant we would have to work real hard to get a score from the kick off in injury time. Pressure at the kick followed by some good lineout ball and the boys had some patient phases going nicely in the midfield before being awarded a kickable penalty. Reuben then slotted the kick under pressure giving a 15 –14 lead in the 75th minute but still a minute of injury time to play. The boys were able to secure the ball but a tough decision went against them and were penalised at the ruck. With Boys' High kicking the penalty the final score ended up 15 -17. The boys were gutted they didn’t quite get the result at the end but proud of their efforts. They’ll be fizzing for the next clash with Boys' High knowing full well they can compete with them and looking for revenge. Great to see everyone putting their hands up and contributing across the park.

U15 Black vs U15 Blue won 24-15

It was great to have full team this week and the positivity amongst the players and supporters was clear right from the warm-up.

Both teams started strongly and the boys defence was tested early. Some big tackles were made in the mid field and some great turnovers kept the team moving forward. Ed Price and Riley Manson made some storming runs up the middle and Noah Whitfield, Henry Robertson and Nash Moir were strong and effective in the rucks.

Malachy showed some real pace to score his first try of the season with a great break on the left wing and Nik Weir converted. Noah Whitfield also scored right on half time and the 12-10 half time score was a good reflection of the closeness of the game.

Our strong defence from kept them out of them game until the 70th minute, with big defensive efforts from Jack Sparrow, Nik Weir, Danny Boyce and Mac Templeton. Noah McKay scored a well-earned try, converted by Danny Boyce, and Riley Manson powered over the line for his first of the season.

While there were some strong individual efforts, it was great to see the team coming together and showing some real potential. Thanks to Riley, Harry and Richard for their commitment to coaching and developing the boys.

Congratulations to Noah Whitfield forward of the day and Nik Weir back of the day.

Tries to Malachy Murphy, Noah Whitfield, Noah Mckay, Riley Manson. Conversions, Danny Boyce and Nik Weir. (U15 Black report)

U15 White vs Cashmere U15 lost 5-40

Facing a team of incredible size, the forwards, depleted by injury and illness showed great bravery. The first quarter was scoreless and the forward pack were dominant. The second rowers and loose forwards were almost always at the breakdown and despite their smaller size provided good clean ball and were a nuisance to Cashmere.Cashmere capitalised on some mistakes against the run of play in the second quarter and showed some excellent kicking skills to convert their tries. The second half showed a spirited team and the whites played the game mostly in the Cashmere 22. The hard work eventually paid off with a try. Another loose ball and Cashmere's speedy centres again turned mistakes into points. The game was intensely physical. One of those games where the scorecard did not reflect the run of play. This does not take away from the fact that the Cashmere centres were exciting to watch and capitalised on four mistakes. The sportsmanship and post-match camaraderie between the two teams was an excellent example of teenage rugby and good character. This game was a battle - the Whites claiming ascendancy up front, but Cashmere walking away with the bragging rights.

U14 Freeman vs Te Aratai College U14 lost 17-39

U14 Davidson vs Christ's College U14 "B" won 48-31

The St Bede’s u14 Davidson took on Christ College u14B in a strongly contested game. Nicholas Baillie opened the scoring in the right hand corner with a great display of catch and pass by the backs. The forwards really knuckled down and worked Christ's all around the park. We took an early lead but Christ's College stayed right with us coming back with 2 quick tries using their strong ball carriers to muscle over. Overall great performance from the boys and should be proud of their efforts. 

U14 Dunne vs Merivale Papanui U14 drew 36-36

The U14 Dunne team had a tough outing against Merivale Papanui. Merivale Papanui started off strong with two early tries. However the boys showed their Bedean ticker and got right back into the game finishing strong in the second half. Playing into the wind made the second half a challenge but courage and determination put the team in the lead for majority in the second half. However, this lead did not last as long as we would have liked with Merivale Papanui scoring a long range try at the end of the game and converting from in front to tie the game up, making the final score 36-36. The Bedean award went to Cohan Clemence who was very influential in getting the team in the good positions they were in. Another couple of special mentions to Lui Vaipulu, Ethan O’Donovan and Angus Patrick who had outstanding games. A special thanks to Suzanne Patrick and Mark Ealey for taking photos of the teams game.

U55kgs vs CBHS U55kgs Black won 17-15

After a week off the boys were fizzing to rip back into it. We started off strong stringing multiple phases together which lead to Max Boyle crashing over the line 10 minutes in. Going into half time the score was level at 10-10. The second half began with Boys' High gaining a level of dominance. The boys stuck with it however defending their own line for long periods of time. With 5 minutes left St Bede's were down 15-10 and were relentlessly attacking Boys' High’s line. The boys stuck with it, staying patient and received numerous penalties where we would pressure Boys' High's defence. Eventually, Bevan crashed over next to the sticks well into referees time to tie the game. Max Boyle converted to cap off a successful comeback in the dying minutes.