U12 Rugby

The U12 campaign started back in February when a large group of young men put their names forward to play. We set goals at the start of the season on what we wanted our vision for the year to be. Our team was filled plenty of new faces and mixed with players from numerous clubs. Our target this year was to build a positive culture that focused on continuously improving each week. Our season kicked off with two weeks off grading games. Our focus was to make section 1, as we believe we had the right squad to match the level. Our trial games provided plenty of positives and identified areas we could target. Within Section 1, we managed to have a steady season with some great wins and some positive learning experiences. Each week, we managed to improve on a chosen area of focus which at this level is all you can ask for. Plus the enjoyment of the game and positive culture is what made the year an extremely positive one. Injuries and sickness did sting us at times, but it did provide certain players with the opportunity to step up and play another position, which was awesome to see.

In late September, the squad participated in Junior Rugby Festival in Queenstown. This a two day tournament that has teams participate from all over New Zealand and parts of Australia. To do well in this tournament, you needed to finish top in pool play and make top four. Within pool play, we managed to beat Papakura Rugby Club convincingly which was an amazing start to the tournament, but lost 12-10 against a strong team from Sydney called Clovelly Eagles. Our chances now of making top 4 would be dependent on receiving a Wild Card for the team having based the best points differential. Luckily, our results in both games helped us receive the Wild Card and we made top 4. Our second day consisted of a semifinal against Clovelly Eagles, which the team was excited and up for. The team played out of their skin and it was one of the best games I have seen our team play. Each player stood up and put an amazing performance in. Unfortunately, we went down to a try on full-time and ended up losing 10-5. I couldn't be prouder of these young men, against all odds they never gave up. We ended up finishing 4th in the tournament, 1st in Canterbury and 3rd in New Zealand.

Overall, we finished the season the way we wanted. It was great to see our team move to the next level and play some high level rugby. Big thanks to Lee-Anne Savea, Geordie Condon and Junior Mata'afa for all the amazing help throughout the season. The season wouldn't of been possible without all your efforts. Thanks to Isaiah Savea and Neihana Mata'afa for your spectacular leadership. You both led the team extremely well and we appreciate all your contribution through out the season. Also thank you to all of our amazing parents who helped out on so many ways. This season wouldn't of been as successful if it wasn't for each of you. I wish each family a safe and happy break.

I look forward to continuing to work with this team next year.

Thanks, Dean Smith

Rugby U12 – awards 2019

Most Improved Player - Jesse Mullally

Best Trainer - Ashton Clark

Best Forward - Archie Steel

Best Back - Kalib Clarkson

MVP - Brock Condon

Player of the Year - Isaiah Savea

Most Versatile - Neihana Mata'afa