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Photo by Mark Ealey

3rd XV Feature Article

Mark Ealey —

& 31 July Match Report, vs SBHS 2nd XV won 36-10

It was a mighty performance by the mighty 3rds yesterday. A big win that's eluded the team for several weeks. It was worthy of its main game time slot status on the front fields and worthy enough to be played on the famous field next door where some joked, with just a little disrespect, the curtain raiser to today's main game had not long finished.

Image by: Mark Ealey

In true fashion the 3rds scored within minutes of kickoff. It didn't prove to be the loosener though as it seemed their style of play again stagnated into the forward pods going into contact . For 15 minutes little ground was gained and only possession was lost.

Image by: Mark Ealey

The talented pool of backs were itching to get some ball and when it came they delivered. The breakout leading to the second try proved what a new strategy can yield.

The halftime huddle was a committed and close briefing that no doubt reiterated the message to continue to play with the belief just shown.

From then on forwards and backs combined in their jobs. We saw good territory gains with back play finished by low down forward drives to dot down a couple of classic tries.

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Backing up was intuitive and it was there when it counted. Tries were setup and with great satisfaction beautifully completed. Passing became fluid with confidence. It was natural, unforced and even a surprise at times.

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Whether it was the playmakers attacking with flair or the grafters building the momentum, the 3rds found the unison that makes teams win. There's yet more skills in the wings (literally) to enhance this winning formula in the last few rounds to come.

The supporters enjoyed the match, thanks boys.

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Tries: Josh MacDonald (2), Aidan Viney, Joel Pomare-Edwards, Hamish Rooney Conversions: Flynn Bainbridge (5) Penalties: Flynn Bainbridge

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The current approach to the 3rd XV and 4th XVs grew out of the Canterbury RFU's decision to introduce the U75kgs grade and remove the U16 grade. As a result, from this year U16-U18 open-grade boys play in teams placed in three U18 sections referred to collectively as "Senior Boys". Broadly speaking, the 2nd and 3rd XVs were selected on merit, with players' age and experience being a clear background factor. The expectation was that the 3rd XV would mostly be U16 boys and this is the case. A combination of trial performances and gaps in the 2nd XV saw the U16 boys feature throughout the Senior Boys grade. This matches the situation in other boys' schools.

The 3rd XV is coached by Kyle Byers and old boy Caleb Pomare-Edwards. Kyle was 1st XV co-coach with Murray Henderson in 2018. Managers are parents Jen Rodger and Patrick McAfee.


The squad is large at 25. It is made up of an even split between Year11 and 12, plus five Year 13 players. Injuries thankfully have been few but this also means stand-down duty for a couple of boys each weekend. The numbers also provide a solid bench and a task for Kyle to rotate fairly through the season giving boys starting a full game experience.

The team is captained by lock George Lawry with cover by Hamish Rooney.

Team atmosphere is relaxed with purpose. The pre-match warm up quickly transforms from various styles of arrival (punctual no less) and general sifting around, into very structured organised and focused drills. Notably the team has often started very dominantly and has been the first to score.

Wins have been few this season but another theme is that most matches have been lost by small margins or with a lead just falling from grasp. There'll be lessons learnt here for next season. Already learnt is the ability to maturely and quickly put aside the disappointment. The post match review is a reversal of the pre match pressure. Bemused smiles and the return of banter are good signs of refocus.

Acknowledgement to our five Year 13 boys rounding out their last playing season with St Bede's. Joel Pomare-Edwards, Andre Robinson, Elijah Cullen-Reid, Aidan Viney and Sam Nolan. Their commitment has never faltered and they've passed on great spirit that will be passed on again next year.

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The success of the team as a unit can be attributed largely to coaching style. Kyle's calm, controlled leadership will be remembered by the boys as a benchmark in their own development. Caleb's return to Bede's to coach is an example of generosity the boys will also remember and some will replicate.

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A new format for the 3rds this year - but no less in tradition. Go the mighty 3rds.