Club Day

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped on the club-day BBQs!

1st XV vs Selwyn Combined Schools won 42-5

After the strong performance against St Peter’s four days ago, the team was determined not to tarnish that result with a lacklustre effort against a side that was, at least on paper, not as strong.

While we dominated both possession and territory there were moments of ill-discipline that must be eliminated from our game. There were also a number of unforced errors and some poor decisions on attack. The score would have been considerably more in our favour if these elements of our game were more accurate.

It was still pleasing however to win the game comprehensively and to earn a bonus point for 4 or more tries in the process. These important extra points have been a little scarce to date. This point also puts us into the top four on the points table for the first time this season; a position that must be held to secure a semi-final slot

The final score was 42 – 5 to St Bede’s (half time: 18-0)

Tries: Cameron Rawlings, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Sam Ifopo, Suliasi Faiva, Mitch Pile, Ollie Robb. Conversions: Ben Trillo 3. Penalties: Ben Trillo 2.

The Teams MVP ranking system for this game is as follows: In third place was hooker Sam Ifopo who deserved his first point on the MVP table. Second was prop Suliasi Faiva who not only carried well but effected several turnovers and in first place was Josh Borcoskie who had another outstanding performance in the “engine room” of our forward pack. Video analysis will probably confirm that he was one of the most industrious tacklers of the game. Josh also earned his Cap today for playing his 12th game for the 1st XV.

The Origin Awards were as follows: Sars Flood understandably awarded his to Suliasi Faiva for his overall contribution, Mr Davidson awarded his to Jacob Horton-Davey for his service in the front row where he played both prop and hooker and Mr Litten awarded his to Ollie Robb for his Origin moment where he took a quick tap and crashed over for our bonus point try.

The team travels to Nelson this Friday where they stay overnight before playing Waimea College at 12:00pm on Saturday

2nd XV vs Christ's College won 48-0

A dominant performance by the team running in seven unanswered tries. One of the primary goals the team has is to improve each week, and a new benchmark was certainly set today. What is most encouraging though is to consider there is still significant room for improvement even within such a big win. Highlights of the match would be the strong carries by many players, Vili Fifita, Heinrich Muller and Joseph Fitzgerald being the most powerful. The lineout continues to be a weapon both on our and opposition ball. And a standout performance was turned in by Noah Barrett, his hard running earned him three tries today.The team will look to finish the round well against Cashmere High School 1st XV next week. 

3rd XV vs Shirley BHS 2nd XV lost 12-29

After a good win vs CBHS last weekend we knew that this game against the unbeaten SBHS was going to be tough. The first half was pretty even and was characterized by good defence by our lads when defending our line. They were guilty of not following the game plan at times, though were disrupted by injuries to 3 backs. SBHS had the bulk of the possession and eventually scored a try early in the second quarter. St Bede's came back and in a rare foray into the opposition 22 they received a penalty. Alex Milnes received the quick tap and angled over for a good try that was converted by Kyle Peterson. SBHS then scored out wide in the last play of the half to lead by 10 to 7. The second half began with a Shirley taking greater control of possession. Our lads were having to defend relentlessly, had little ball to play with and struggled to penetrate the opposition line. Shirley added 2 more tries in the middle of the half to take a stranglehold on the game. A soft try to them further blew out the score. However our lads showed good heart to get into the Shirley 22 and drive over for the final try of the game to Kaede Kurosu. It was a tough day at the office for our lads with the final score being 29 -12 to Shirley. Our boys showed plenty of spirit in defence throughout and were very strong in the scrums and lineouts. There is plenty to work on in training this week though... Back of the day - Cohen Pinfold Forward of the day - Finn Gavigan Player of the day - Hugo Tresfield Tries - Alex Milnes, Kaede Kurosu.Conversions - Kyle Peterson (1). 

4th XV vs Belfast U18 "Green" lost 22-52

At half-time we were right in this game after an even first half but unfortunately the large number of changes we made at the half didn’t make the impact that we needed for the rest of the game. In fact in the second half we saw very little ball and some of our tackling was ineffective. Once again it was little mistakes that let us down but on the flip side we showed what we were capable of in the first half with some very good tries. James Florence cleared the ball well from the base and Taylor Fahey directed play very well at first receiver. Andrew Burns showed his strength out wide with his direct running and Finn O’Donnell was his usual busy self at full back. Up front Hamish Rooney worked hard as usual and Josh Ashdowne threw really well and was lively about the field. Jacob Burke dominated the lineout in the first half and was prominent with the ball in hand . Jack Hendren was excellent at the breakdown and competitive in everything he did. Overall we will need to put together two halves if we are going to have any success going forward.

U75kgs Red vs U75kgs Black (derby) won by Red 57-14

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

U15 Red vs STC "Blue" won 45-22

St Thomas showed they were going to be a real threat in this game after a pacy kick chase lead to an early try. Bedes adjusted well and started sticking to their structure. First points came via a try to Kymani Hau-Taunoa from a well-executed 25m lineout drive. For the rest of the half Bedes remained the dominant side but had to be wary of St Thomas’ big ball runners and kicking game that was finding space. With ball in hand, some strong carries by the forwards soon lead to more space and Bedes were able to take a 24-12 lead into the break with further tries to Kymani, Finn Pearson and Bede Giera.

The second half saw several periods where St Thomas were camped near Bedes’ line. Some outstanding goal line defence meant St Thomas’ were held up on several occasions. When Bedes’ were able to breakout they were able to score some spectacular tries where really good support lines led to tries to Reuben McIntyre, Jonty Fryer and Reuben Ngariki. After a couple of penalties from Bedes’ being offside at the lineout St Thomas’ were able to finally break the defence and also score another try to finish the game. A good result on club day and the first round of the competition proper with the unexpected bonus of the challenge shield to boot. Really pleasing to see all players stepping up from Nate Petelo-Martin’s work up front and ball carries right through to Cooper McDowall tidying up the kicks at the back.

U15 Blue vs U15 Black (derby) won by Blue 22-19

Blue: Heading in to the U15 Section 3 competition, the U15 Blue team began with a flying start. Strong from the whistle, the boys knew they were underway in a tough derby match against their fellow classmates in the Under 15 Black team. Early points from a line out move set the pace early. Both teams knowing an equal battle was happening. Tries from Patsy Fowley and Alex Cowan in the first half helped the boys pull ahead by 10-5. Critical handling, strong rucks and great wide balls from both teams offered an intense start to the second half. The boys were inspired after an overall great team effort from every person on field 4. A full-on 2nd half from both teams led to a competitive end to the game. Tries for both teams brought the 5 point deficit to 3. Ending with an incredible 40-metre try after a knock on recovery from Carter Devlin, that goes to show that playing to the whistle can give you the necessary edge to get over the line. With the full time whistle being blown 5 metres out from our own try line it truly shows how even this game was and these teams are. We know the boys are eager to play against this other SBC team again in a couple weeks and we are all excited for another classic derby match at home.

Black: This week was another tough game against St Bedes Blue. The boys stepped up another level, but the Blue team were out to revenge last week's loss.

Nik Weir scored our only try in a hard fought first half. Our ruck defence let us down and turnovers led to them scoring two tries. A great chase from Noah McKay stopped an almost certain third try.

Some good forward runs from Lui Rabuli, Nash Moir, Noah Whitfield and Riley Manson kept us moving forward.

The second half saw tries to Noah Whitfield and Flynn Lawton converted by Danny Boyce and Nik Weir. While the boys put in a big effort in the last 15 minutes, the Blue team held us out and came away with the win.

Congratulations to Riley Manson forward of the day and Noah McKay back of the day.

Tries to Nik Weir, Noah Whitfield, Flynn Lawton. Conversions, Danny Boyce and Nik Weir

U15 White vs Haeata U15 lost 22-29

Lining up against another tough team the forwards showed outstanding commitment and bravery. The first half was a brutal battle with the opposition coming out on top.

The second half was again a brutal battle; our smaller but fitter second rowers and loose forwards began to use their skills and fitness and the game was equalised at 22 all. The forwards recycling and the backs beginning to run.

The team maintained their discipline and integrity in the face of a mounting penalty count and penalty try awarded to them. Despite being frustrated by unnecessary delays their rugby skills started to put great pressure on the opposition.

Playing up in the opposition 22 for the last quarter then a breakout runaway saw the opposition team nose in front with a converted try.

The game belonged to a team that displayed great character and respect for the game. The scorecard unfortunately said differently.

U14 Dunne vs U14 Davidson lost 5-7

Dunne review: U14 Dunne played U14 Davidson on a brisk winter's day at home. The game was played at a good pace becoming a good arm wrestle with good defence from both sides. Dunne scored first in the 8th min through building pressure and scoring through Fergus Daly in the forwards.

The game continued to be a tight fought battle with Davidson scoring and converting to take the lead 7-5. The score would remain the same in an enjoyable game for both sides.The second half was played against Christ's College 15C. Dunne started the half well, building into their work. Some good support play and running from the backline allowed Dunne to apply pressure to College. From the field position gained and a good hard carry Jack Daly crashed in for a try.The rest of the half went to College leaving Dunne with plenty to build on at training on Monday. Final score 7 - 22. Bedean of the week goes to Ethan O'Donovan for a great game both in defence and attack while organising the back line.

U14 Freeman vs St Thomas U13 Blue  lost 21-36

We started strongly with Hunter Upjohn scoring the first try of the game, followed by Rau Kumeroa getting the first of his three successful conversions. Our defence needed improvement today with St Thomas scoring three tries in quick succession before the half time mark. We gained strong momentum in our second half with two tries scored by Riley Slemint and James Allison, bringing us neck and neck with the opposition.

Despite our best efforts, chances of victory quickly slipped away with St Thomas gaining control of the game and proving to be the better team of the day. Big thanks to all our coaches and supporters today. 

U55kgs vs CBHS U55kgs Blue lost 10-29

On a classic Christchurch winters day the u55 kg team were raring to go. The lads were lucky enough to be out on the front field this week playing on No. 2, unfortunately off the kick off Boys' High u55 kg got a lucky bounce and managed to score a run-away try. The lads never dropped their heads and fought back with a 5 -10 halftime score. Both teams then went back and forth early in the second half scoring one try each until finally Boys' High pulled away in the final 10 minutes. Full credit to all the boys who never dropped their heads and kept playing til the final whistle. Our structure showed glimpses of how dangerous it could be during the game with several strong carries down the sideline by Joey, our player of the day. Special mention to Matthew who played his first game back after an ankle injury.