9 wins 4 losses (one derby)

1st XV won 13-7 vs Rangiora HS

Rangiora HS came to the party and gave the boys a very good work out, which will put us in good frame of mine heading into the next big game with Nelson next week at home.

Defence work was outstanding, especially in the first half as the Rangiora boys threw everything at us, and it was great to see some composure from the boys to keep working hard (even though it was not going our way) to have some good attacking opportunities which lead to 2 very good tries.

Another very good game of rugby that kept the spectators on edge for the full 70 mins and giving the coaching team and players plenty to work on this week, ready for Nelson College.

Tries: Sam Lawry, Angus Grant   Penalty: Mason Allison

Player of the Day: Angus Grant

2nd XV won 24-0 vs St. Thomas's U18 "Blue"

Early dominance in the game saw a territory and possession advantage which looked positive, but a rush to cross the line saw some marginal tactical calls resulting in handovers which showed STCC had the ability to run the ball out wide if given the opportunity.

Once the players realised they were in control and settled the first points soon came by way of an unconverted try to Matt Boyle with a drive through the pack following a successful line out win from about 15m out.

Just before the half we scored again in a try that many players and spectators missed. Thanks to the sharp eye of Lorenzo Lelli and quick thinking he spotted a chance, with the ball in play it rolled into the in goal area from an opposition mishandle. Whilst the opposition stood around it, perhaps expecting the referee to blow his whistle, no one took control of the ball allowing Lorenzo to rush in and take the try.

Leading 10 nil at the start of the second half again we took control in all aspects of the game. Whilst errors were present, the intent was logical and players remained focussed on the task at hand. Ben Shipley was next to score following seven to eight phases of determined work on attack within the opposition ten. Charlie Stenberg took over kicking duties and with his successful conversion took us to a comfortable 17 nil lead with ten to go.

Again with control and discipline within the oppositions 10 our attack looked solid. A ball popped up to Sam Hemmingson-White allowed him to use his size and momentum to break through to players to score between the posts, setting up an easy conversion by Charlie Stenberg.

The big positives from this week's game had to be the ratio of points added for time spent in the opposition's half and the discipline maintained in the game with an opposition who were frustrated. As Captain Ben Higginbottom did a great job in this area, keeping his players focussed on playing the game and thus the penalty count low.

Player of the Day went to Valentin Gomez-Fornasari from Argentina, for his work rate and consistency in all aspects of the game at No. 14.

Tries: Matt Boyle, Lorenzo Lelli, Ben Shipley, Sam Hemmingson-White. Conversions: Charlie Stenberg, 2.

3rd XV lost vs 8-38 vs St. Thomas's U18 "Red"

After a good start the team made critical mistakes across the field and were out played by a bigger and more hungry team. During the 2st half the team showed spirit and defended the line well for a long period of play but penalties against us took their toll. We went into the half down by 6 points. While during passages of the game in the 2nd half we made inroads and had some periods of excellent play, overall it was a pretty disappointing 2nd half for the team. Basic mistakes and some very ordinary decision making in the filed of play put ourselves into trouble giving away the ball and field position too often.

Hopefully the team can take this as a learning experience and rebuild quickly for next week.

U16A won 47-5 vs StAC U16

The men had a good week at training with Simon Gunn coming down on Tuesday to help with front row and we were also fortunate to have Scott Hansen come down and do some work with our half backs and general attack .

St Andrews have been tracking very well and looked the team to beat in the grade , so this was an important step for us as a team . We won by 47-5 which was a solid score line but the team was disappointed to concede a try, showing they have set high standards for the year . For Aaron and I this is great when the team sets the standards and also tells us how they want to play rather than us as coach’s over complicating things with too much structure. It’s so important to have the ability to play what is in front of them when the opportunity is there . With the victory we were fortunate enough to win the challenge shield and look forward to trying to win it again this weekend . Our lineout is performing very well and we are playing with confidence and great continuity between backs and forwards . Our midfield are providing the go forward and attacking the line allowing other players to feed off their momentum. I kept an eye on the game next door where our U16B had another great win again so congrats .

Thanks to Grandpa for the lollies after the game, a good boost of energy to start the recovery process . To all the supporters ,thanks for your support of the team ,coming together after the game to hear our debrief and plans for the up and coming week is important, allows us all to share and enjoy in the young men’s results as they express themselves on the field . It’s as much your team as it is the players so feel free to come in and be involved straight after the game and post messages photos etc on our Facebook page . Well done and I look forward to going back to work this week at training .

U16B won 24-10 vs CBHS U16B "Black"

On a cold and windy Saturday afternoon St. Bede’s U16 B team took the field against CBHS 16 B Black. Field conditions caused sloppy play for the St. Bede’s players and we conceded two scores. However, they responded with a fifty meter try from Samson Foley and another from Mitch Pile tying the game at half-time. The beginning of the second half saw St. Bede’s put pressure on the opposition with five poached balls and a try saving tackle by Joel Pomare-Edwards. Though we didn’t take advantage of all of them Charlie Coakley and Alex Wayman exposed the defence for two more scores while Callum Anderson added two conversions ensuring our hard-fought 24-10 victory.

U15A won 12-5 vs Cashmere HS U15

The boys and I went into this week against Cashmere High School. We were looking to improve on small things and aim to get better during the season. Our defence was our main key we learnt this week at training. Since it was the first time some had learnt the moves, we knew we weren’t gonna get perfect but improve on it.

We went into the game and didn’t understand who we were actually playing. The hopes grew as we scored an unconverted try in the corner 20 minutes into the game. There wasn’t another try scored that half and we were on defence a lot against a very good side. With the second half underway, we weren’t in the right mindset and were letting the side get to us. With our forwards punching through the line, we were down there 22m and we didn’t stop running until a try was scored. Riley Lucas ran into the line with a couple on his back and shoved him over the line. With no tee our number 12 Jamayne Feast drop goaled a beauty from the sideline.

The score came up to 12 to 0 and we had some more faith in the game. With Cashmere’s forwards running without fear, they had made it to out 22m and scored for 12-5. Huge tackles were made and our work rate spiked extremely in the last 10 minutes. Our forwards snagged a penalty and the game was over. Heads were high and we were happy to walk away with the win. We still have a lot to improve on and hopefully at the end of the season we will have improved as a team and as individuals.

Thank you to all our supporters who enjoyed the game and the competition between the two teams. We all love your support on the sideline and behind the scenes. Congrats boys and back to our school motto of “Fide et Opere”.

Chistian Ioane - Captain 

U15B lost 8-47 vs Christ's College U15B

St Bedes U15B displayed true grit in their 48-7 Rugby loss to Christ's College. Battling a strong attacking side, St Bede's kept on taking the ball to the opposition and put together a string of attacking moves prior to half-time.

Full-back Jimmy Hastings recovered a kick through for a 50 metre run into Christ College territory. St Bede's dominated the resulting maul for Tom Lewis to battle his way over the line near the posts. Lachlan Baird made short work of the conversion leaving St Bedes 20-7 down at the break.

The team emerged in the second half with a new vigour and looked likely to make a come-back. Key players maintained a high level of intensity throughout gaining valuable ground and holding the opposition at bay with decisive and powerful tackles. Newcomer on the wing Dong Shin made a promising debut in his first Rugby outing for the school.

Coach James Burnside and his student support coaches had praise for the effort and determination of their side and noted areas that need attention. “We’ve got some work to do and the boys are willing and keen to improve their skills and be competitive,” he says.

U63kgs "Red" won 19-0 vs StAC U63kgs "Blue"

This year St Andrews have 2 teams in the Under 63kg weight grade. One is predominantly Year 9 and the other is Predominantly year 10. We played the Year 9 team, who were slightly bolstered with 4 or 5 players from the Year 10 team. I think it is fair to say those players made a significant impact, which ultimately made for a great game.

They were unlucky early when they knocked the ball on in the process of scoring a try. We then fought our way back into their half and managed to work as a team with Dylan Butler finishing some good team work to score in left corner. Finlay Neal slotted the conversion for us to go 7-0 up.

We managed to score again just before half time, this time Finlay Neal finishing off with hard straight running taking us to half time at 12-0.  The second half continued to be a battle and again St Andrews knocked the ball on in the process of scoring. Finlay scored again in the 57th minute which was converted by Joey Pawson taking us to a final score of 19 -0.

Player of the Day was Billy Lewis. Billy wasn’t go to play rugby this year but made a late decision to join us and we are more than happy to have him back.

U63kgs "Black" lost 15-22 vs StAC U63kgs "White"

Injury and sickness hampered the mighty u63kg Black team this week, and forced several players out of their normal positions. This didn't stop the determination of a team who wore the St Bede’s uniform with pride.

First time over the line for Dom Knill and Connor Stewart this week, and the ever reliable speedster Seth Matheson loves that try line with another.

Great running in tight from the forward pack, and given the conditions kept the ball well in hand. Few gaps close to the ruck allowed a couple of easy tries for StAC, and a player of the day performance from Logan Clark wasn't enough to stop the opposition who won 22 - 15.

U14A won 56-14 vs StAC U14 "A"

A great game was played by the U14 "A" team beating STAC 56-14 winning the Challenge Shield. Storming runs from Thomas Woodgate set the tone and the smallest man on the pitch, Thomas Gunn, pulled off the best tackle. Good team work and following game plans meant tries to Noah Barrett (2), Max Hammett, George Daly, Stijn Lutters, Maddox Wright, Ben Trillo(2), Makahni Piia-Kerr and Thomas Woodgate.

U14B "Stags" won 32-5 vs Hillmorton HS U14 

The Stags played into the strong wind in the first half and were put under a lot of pressure by HHS. However good tackling from all the team kept the score down to 5 nil and the Stags scored a good try against the run of play to make it 5 all at halftime.
In the second half the stags got stronger as Hillmorton tired. SBC camped on their line and put them under a lot of pressure with their downwind kicking game. In the end it was a good win for the SBC stags with the final score of 32 to 5.
Players to stand out in the forwards were Matthew Brown and Hugo Tresfield, and in the backs Harry Gorman and pod Logan Hammond.

U58kgs "Red" won 32-16 vs SBC U58kgs "Black"

Always a tough game to play when you are up against your mates but there must have been a few words in the schoolyard during the week because this was belter of a game against the black team.Both teams went into the match unbeaten and classroom pride was on the line.The tackling was ferocious from each team and it was a genuine arm wrestle for large portions of the match. Both teams played with great spirit and zeal but the mighty reds proved to be the better finishers. A match to remember and many sore bodies at the end of the day. Great games from Noah and Alex but player of the day goes to Conner Johnson.

U58kgs "Black" lost 16-32  vs SBC U58kgs "Red"

Certainly a tough match up against a well drilled St Bede's "Red" U58kg with some strong ball runners and staunch defence. First 20 minutes showed great ticker and passion from our lads on the attack for large portions but couldn't put points on the board and eventually conceded a couple of tries to the opposition in the remainder of the 1st half and early into the second through good kick chase and wide attack. We closed out the 2nd half spending much time in the opposition's 22 before finally scoring two tries to cap the game off.  

Venerables

Welcome back to another year with St Bede's Rugby. For those of you that don’t know, or a are new to the club, we have an internal Supporters Club called “The Venerables”. The Venerables provide some key attributes to the overall St Bedes Rugby experience. Primarily The Venerables are the conduit for social activities and fund raising. We have an annual Golf Event and provide regular opportunities to meet socially.

This year we will be having Venerables events before and after the following home games:

4/7/20 Vs Nelson College

25/7/20 Vs Christ’s College

8/8/20 Vs Roncalli College

22/8/20 Vs CBHS

This will involve a few beers and food before the game, along with a short visit from one of the coaches for a quick chat.

During the year, all members will receive a message prior to the 1st XV game describing the opposition and all of the info required for attending games. This will be augmented with score updates as the match progresses.

We are also lucky enough to have a substantial liquid sponsorship from the Elmwood Trading Company. We will be meeting at The Elmwood after all Christchurch games from around 4.30pm.

Under normal circumstances we would be seeking a membership fees of $50 but this year we recognise that things are not normal and as such, the payment is voluntary. Should you wish to make a donation to the Venerables, the account is as follows: 03-0855-0333935-002. Please include your name. All paid members will be receiving a monogrammed scarf and the money will be going towards a rugby exercise that will be beneficial for every player in the club. The money from last years membership is going towards specialist instruction from Mike Cron and John Haggart. All teams will be available to access this instruction. Please note that the Venerable Beanies and Scarves are also available to buy at $20.00 apiece.

The key thing is that everyone is welcome and ultimately the boys will benefit from us having a good time.