1st XV vs Nelson College (Final of Miles Toyota Championship) postponed to 27 August

2nd XV vs Christchurch BHS 2nd XV lost 17-38

The team was very excited about the opportunity of matching up against our counterparts from Straven Road. Though the result of the game was to have no impact on either side's standing going into finals, the Challenge Shield and home field pride was very much on the line. The match was played in sparkling sunshine but on a very heavy track. It was close, 0-0 after 25mins, and we had missed a chance to go up by a penalty. CBHS played a remarkably expansive and wide game, remarkable because of the boggy conditions, which was very testing of our drift defence. Though we got close a few times, we were unable to string more than a few phases together before an error, or coin flip penalty, released any pressure built. Our opponents were first to strike with a try under the posts. We did hit back well with Noah Barrett slotting a penalty to make it 3-7, but CBHS ran in another try just before the break to lead 12-3.The second half started in promising fashion with a good looking attack punching well into the opposition half. But a crucial error at a breakdown allowed CBHS to pounce on the ball, kick it through, and score themselves, making it a far from ideal 19-3. Having not been put in such a situation this season the team went through a messy period where we went completely away from what has worked for us. CBHS scored yet again and now was the time to see what grit the team had. Though down by substantial points the team refused to throw in the towel and, amid CBHS continuing to play an ever more confident expansive style where it seemed every touch turned to gold, we played some great rugby to score two tries of our own. Thus adding some respectability to the scoreline.Though an oft used comment it is true here that the score does not fully reflect the ability of the two sides, or the struggle that occurred. CBHS played a style we had not come up against this season, and there is no doubt we were taken by surprise. If we had another opportunity to play them there's little doubt the scoreline would be closer.The team now will focus their full attention on the home semi-final next weekend. We will move into this match stronger for the experience that was had today.

3rd XV vs Haeata U18 won 43-21

The 3rds played at Lancaster Park with excellent ground conditions and the sun was shining. In what was effectively a quarter final we came up against the Haeata team that had beaten us in the first round. The 3rds started well and began to dominate the rucks and the opposition began giving away plenty of penalties at ruck time. Our players were punching holes in their defensive line and finding space in behind. After a good forward drive towards the line Cohen Pinfold made a dart to the line and went over under the posts. Haeata then went on attack and went over to level the scores. However as the half wore on we began to get on top and get good forward momentum. Our lineout was working well and the passing was accurate. Big Finn Brook rumbled over after a series of rucks near the line (converted by Caleb Stevens), Alex Tino scored in the corner after a good passing movement and a strong run, and Hugo Tresfield (having an excellent first half) dotted down in the opposite corner. The halftime score was 24 to 7 to St Bedes. The second half began with Haeata scoring a converted try and our team needed to be careful not to give momentum back to the opposition. Our back 3 were very safe under the high ball and found some good space running from the back. Both Noah Allison and Caleb Stevens scored tries out wide after strong runs in close by the forwards and accurate passing by the backs. Haeata then scored but time was running out for them, and Rheubyn Hunter scored after a long weaving run for Caleb Stevens to convert and close the game out. The final score was 43-21 to St Bedes and they will have a semi final against SBHS 2nds next Saturday. Tries: Cohen Pinfold, Finn Brook, Alex Tino, Hugo Tresfield, Noah Allison, Caleb Stevens and Rheubyn Hunter. Conversions: Caleb Stevens 3. Forward of the day: Hugo Tresfield Back of the day: Cohen Pinfold Player of the day: Matthew Mun

4th XV vs CBHS 7th XV won 16-10

 It took a while but finally the fourths delivered with a win over the leading side in the competition. To be fair we had trained very well during the week and the spirit in the camp was strong. The early exchanges were all Boys' High and we hardly got out of our defensive zone in the first half. Our defence was willing but our attack was passive and we appeared to be content with making up the numbers. This all changed in the second half as we played with desire and authority. Maybe it was the all in altercation that happened just before half time or a rev up from the coaches at half time about our attack and work rate but it was pleasing to see the change of attitude. In the backs Finn O'Donnell and Lachie Baird were great value with their experience and hard nosed attitude while Harry Gorman did every thing asked of him on the wing. James Florence and Finn O’Kane bought heaps of energy and both made some telling breaks. Up front Wills McIntyre and Hunter Hughes both ran with plenty of power in the second half and Isaac Hurring finished a classic lineout drive with his first try in his 4 years at St Bedes. However the 2 heroes up front were Josh Ashdowne and Jack Hendren who both showed that famed Bedean ticker in everything they did all game. The spirit in this team has been great all year and it was so pleasing to see them finally get that elusive victory.

U75kgs "Red" the bye

U75kgs "Black" vs CBHS U75kgs "Black" won 38-17

The lads warmed up well and realised they only had 14 players.

We scored early in the half from a short ball to Mitchell who ran 50m to stretch over in the corner. A hard conversion for Guy who missed.

We dropped the ball from the kick off but it was CBHS making the simple errors early on. Game plan from St Bede's looks like territory which was a good plan with heavy underfoot conditions.

Great back line move by the backs spreading it wide and it was great support play that scored our next try going through about 5 sets of hands with Mitchell finishing it off.

Another error from the kick off by Bedes losing possession from the breakdown with not enough support. Once again we were lucky as the CBHS made more simple errors and coughing up the ball.

Unfortunately breakdown issues for Bedes once more as we need a bit more energy going over the ball and blowing out. CBHS score from our mistake and bring the score 12-5 conversion unconverted.

Sustained pressure from St Bedes and again support play was fantastic, try to Henry. Guy converted. 19-5

CBHS have a passage of possession but huge defence by the lads especially George who puts his body on the line week in week out.

HALF TIME 19-5 simple errors but St Bedes on top and with a 14 point lead

Half time confusion re our fill in player and typical CBHS couches and supporters have said no he can't play and discussions on them winning by default.

Plenty of talking points and both team have a bit of tension and fuel to fire them up for the second half.

Second half starts and the boys come out firing. Back line spreads it wide and Mitchell runs off another short ball 60M to score under the post. Hat trick for Mitchell. Guy converts. 26-5

Both teams starting to lift the intensity and this is turning into a good old fashion high school rivalry game with the crowd also getting rowdy.

Connor McKey cross kick collected by Reo gain for St Bedes of 40 metres. Tensions still high.

CBHS starting to blow up and discipline lacking and costing them big time but St Bede's needs to keep the heat on which they do. Blind side move off the scrum. Connor Johnston runs and off loads to Guy who scores in the corner. Kicked missed 31-5.

CBHS score after an error on out 22. 31-10 conversion missed. 15 mins to go and she’s all on. Great defence from the kick off from Bedes. Fitness starting to take its toll with only 14 so massive effort required now.

CBHS kick to touch from another error. I must say the young lad from CBHS is very generous with his flag.

Massive try saving tackle from Connor Johnston and then CBHS talking back to the Ref and we get a penalty. St Bede's lifting again massive.

CBHS discipline again cost them again with a penalty reverse. St Bedes do 3 quick tap and goes in a row ends with Henry scoring under the post for this second try. Guy coverts 38-10.

Try to CBHS from cross kick. Nice try by them 38-17 good con from side line. St Bedes slowing things down now to wind the clock down.

Yellow card for Mitchell for a late tackle to end the game and we play the last 3 mins with 13 players.

Full time. Great win by the boys that I am sure they will enjoy this one as would the supporters. A great game of footy and the boys are starting to form some good combinations and stringing some great try’s but the most impressive aspect from a spectators view is the defensive and self-belief they are showing.

Its knock out rugby from here so let's train hard and keep the winning momentum going through to next week.

Happy birthday to Josh the coach but the lads need to work on their singing.

POD Dominic Knill  BOD Connor M    FOD Billy Lewis

U15 "Red" the bye

U15 "White" CBHS U15 "Black" lost 12-36

We had a great start to the game and dominated the break down which was very pleasing after all the work we did during the week. Poor execution by an inexperienced front row from CBHS led to a serious injury to Brendon. This took the wind out of our sails when we finally got the game restarted. When we played to our game plan the results were very pleasing and the boys finished with a smile on their faces. Injury and illness have been a curse for us this season, but the boys emptied the tank and never gave up.

We would like to thank our coaches Gareth, Sam & Bram for their wonderful work with our boys. Their ongoing positive input and encouragement have lead to a wonderful team spirit and allowed the boys to develop themselves during the season. Also many thanks to our managers Ian & Lejorben for their organization in the background. Last but not least we would like to thank our parents who come out to support us every week.

U15 "Blue" vs CBHS U15 "Blue" won 22-5

First Half: The first ten minutes saw the Blue team defending their line with the opposition attacking non-stop. Good strong defence kept the opposition from scoring early in the game. This got the morale of the Blue team up and when given the opportunity to attack with the ball they didn't hesitate. After an 80-meter march down the field, the Blue team was rewarded with the first try. From there the lesson learned was that holding onto the ball allowed us to play our brand of attacking rugby, which is what happened. Two more tries for the Blue team followed with great hands through the backs and smart kick and chases setting these tries up. Half-time score 15-0. Second Half: This half turned into the game of rugby that was expected on a muddy day. This half became a tight battle between the forwards with big tackles and strong runs. The opposition came out looking like a team that was not down on the score care and really took the game to the Blue team. After again sustaining the initial onslaught from the opposition it was our turn to go on the attack. Unlike the first half, it took five minutes of sustained pick and goes for the Blue team forwards to get over for the only try of the second half. This took the final score to 22-0. Great win for the boys in muddy conditions. Onto the semi-final next week!

U15 "Black" vs CBHS U15 "Gold"won 31-26

U14 "Dunne" vs the bye

U14 "Davidson" vs CC U14B  won 38-20

U14 "Freeman" vs STC U14 "Blue" lost 33-35

U55kgs vs CBHS U55kgs "Blue" won 24-14

Today the U55s were down at Straven Road to take on old rivals CBHS. After losing late last week to the other CBHS team in our grade, the boys were looking to make it up with a good performance. In doing this, Bede's got off to a flyer with 2 early tries by keen open side Matthew Isherwood and an intercept by Gus Ferguson got Bede's out to a 17-0 lead. However CBHS early in the 2nd half controlled possession and territory and managed to come back with a try of their own. With a man sent off, Bedes stuck at it, managing to string together a good few phases together to allow Matthew Isherwood to cross the line for his 3rd try and push Bede's out to a 24-7. A late runaway try from CBHS managed to bring the final score to 24-14. Great effort and attitude was shown this week from the boys which led to a great performance today. Some good momentum heading into next weeks semi final clash which the boys are really excited for. Our player of the day was Matthew Isherwood for his busyness around the field especially at breakdown time and his great post contact metres. Gus Ferguson was our tackler of the day. With a direct CBHS 12, Gus got a lot of traffic down his channel and coped with it perfectly. Even the CBHS coach made a comment on how perfect his tackle technique is.