& 7 May 2022 Match Report

There is a small beastie lurking under the sink in your bathroom, or perhaps it has scurried across the floor to the corner, wherever it is, it is taunting you, no parent willing to stand on it, teenagers stare at it willing it to move left or right. Just the thought makes many squeamish, and can have you mutter “liar” under your breath. This is real medical condition.

Gravitophobia – The fear of stepping on scales. But this fear is not a factor for our Bede’s U55kgs Team.

The average All Black pack of eight players weighs about 930kg, if we took our entire squad of 19 players we would still need to add a coach or two to match them, but what some may perceive as a lack of size has no bearing on our power, our desire and ambition.

Excitement looms as large as the season ahead, 5 teams in the grade, St Andrew’s, Christ’s, and two from CBHS, will give us a stern challenge and enjoyment on a weekly basis.

We took the field for one pre-season game against St Andrew’s College in hot autumn conditions prior to the school holidays to get some physical contact and see if we could introduce some of the many backs into the forwards. The score may have got away on us, but we discovered two notable positive aspects. One - our defence is up quick and pressures the opposition well. Two - we have some lion-hearted ball carriers that will go all game sniping around rucks and bursting up the middle of the paddock.

Trainings are now underway Mondays and Wednesdays with student coaches 1st XV captain and half back Ben O’Donovan, flanker / lock Max Coltman and speedster Carter Trillo all giving their time and knowledge generously. New techniques are already being explained, lineout jumping for one is great to see - there will be many a reader remember the pain that results if a jumper doesn’t keep their legs straight. Forwards coach Max Coltman says: “Like the boys in our team, I was lucky enough to have student coaches in Year 9 and so I know the enjoyment and bonding this brings. I’m looking forward to working with all our team members this season but especially the forwards, passing on to the boys all my knowledge of the new aspects of lineout lifting and jumping that come with college rugby. Following my first season at the College I changed from a back to forward in Year 10 after my U15 coaches saw potential for me as a lock. Over my 5 years of rugby at the College I have made some of my best mates and memories, I have grown to enjoy it more and more every year.”

The speed in the backs will be harnessed through good handling and decision making as they develop combinations throughout the season. Trillo comments: “I’ve been a student at St Bede's since year 9. Rugby is a big part of my life as it is also a big part of the College. I look forward to sharing my rugby knowledge with the team and learning at the same time this season.”

A couple of late scratchings means we welcome any boys that may still have an interest in joining us for the season ahead. Only two criteria – Be under 55kgs and ready to have some fun. Reach out to Mark Ealey or one of the coaches if you are keen.

Coach O’Donovan commented, “I’ve been a student as St Bede’s since Year 9 and some of my best memories have come on the rugby field. I’m looking forward to giving back and working with these young boys for the season and leading them on the first step in their St Bede’s rugby journey.”

The team would like to thank the generous sponsorship of DNA Structures, Simplexity Builders, Cranford Ale House and Xteriorscapes. This will enable them to look sharp as a team before they go into battle each week

Manager Aileen Mackay

I managed my son Max’s club team for 4 years and thoroughly enjoyed it so I decided to offer my help as manager again this year as standing on the side line as a spectator would feel weird. I prefer being busy! I used to teach at the College part time and after a break I am back working as a relief teacher. This is helping me get to know some of the team as I sometimes see them in class. It will be nice getting to know them in a different environment and I can’t wait to see how they get on this year. From what I have seen so far at training there is plenty of skill and lots of enthusiasm within the group so I am sure they will have a great season!

Asst. Manager Stephen Fleck

I started playing rugby in Southland in 1982, and will again don the boots for the Saracens Div II side in 2022. I love it for the physical challenges and the friendships that have endured. I have hassled managers all my life, now the boot is on the other foot. Excited and looking forward to seeing this team have fun this year. I aim to keep as many of the lads in love with the sport, and support the coaches, Aileen, players and parents with whatever they need to enjoy the season.

Match Report vs CBHS 

Warm autumnal weather - Blue skies overhead, hard and fast ground underfoot conditions laid the perfect start to the competition for our U55kgs team. The lads came away today with the win, scoring 5 tries to 1 against a good Boys' High team. Flanker Bryn Fisher opened the scoring, darting over from close range after an opening 7 minute tussle mainly staged in the middle of the paddock with a Max Boyle conversion. 

Bede's continued to make their tackles and pressure the opposition into errors to give themselves great possession and territorial advantage and two more tries. Big bad Bevan Egerton barged his way over and speedster winger Rocco Van swooped on loose ball and scampered off down the pitch. The only blemish on the sheet all day came in the 18th minute after lapse in concentration and a couple of penalties allowed Boys' High to score. HT 17-5. The water bottles were empty, sweat was pouring off the players and those supporters who had over dressed on the side lines. The lads continued to throw themselves into the tackles, and forwards counter rucked well. The backs continued to press up and gain turnover ball. Will Stark and Luke Francis both scoring well worked team tries that created space.

FT 27-5 Forwards Coach Max Coltman commented after the game "Boys fronted up well for first proper game and promising signs for the weeks ahead" Players are encouraged to watch the game highlights that will be available.