The STC U13 came into the season with a committed group of young boys, ready to take the season head on. There was a huge element of uncertainty going through the grading games, as to where what section the team will end up in. The boys showed skill and attitude from the start, but there was a question over the share size of the group compared to a number of other teams in the U13 grade.

The team showed significant progress from week to week and the boys responded positively week in and out to the challenges thrown at them by the coaching staff. Due to this, we found ourselves in section one to start the round off. Continuing to build as rugby players and men, we finished the first round with 4 wins, one loss, and possession of the challenge shield.

A quarter of our weeks preparation was in a classroom where we discussed character building concepts, where we would identify adversity that we may have faced the week before, and how we could respond better if we were faced with those situations again. In the championship round and semi final, 4 of the 6 games played were won and lost in the final minute of play. 3 of which we had won, and the one that was lost the boys turned around and beat that team in the semi final under similar circumstances. 

I think that statistic summed up the season and the character of the boys which underpinned what we were about. We played a strong and undefeated CBHS team in the final, which proved to be their toughest game of the season, where they ended up pulling away with a 41-24 scoreline.

A number of players received accolades following a successful campaign. The awards were as follows:

Most Improved - Jesse VarneyBest Forward - Simon UlianoBest Back - Maretino KaloudauBest Trainer - Jackson BuntingPlayer of the Year - Liam RukiMVP - Noah Harmer CampbellSTC U13 "Man of the Year" - Cam SmithRep honours:

Canterbury Metro Zones - Alex McKorkindale, Cam Smith, Kaya Waiparata, Sam Samuelu, Jackson Bunting, Seth Allen,

Canterbury Country - Liam RukiCanterbury Metro U68kg - Noah Harmer Campbell, Simon Uliano.

The season was capped off with a post season tour to Taupo. The team did very well coming up against different style of play than what they had been used to all season. The team finished 4th, going down the the semi final to the tam that went on to win. A massive thanks to all the parents who did an amazing job all season to run the fundraising and make it possible for the boys to be exposed to such a great experience in Taupo, as well as the fine job organising the boys up in Taupo. 

Also, a huge thanks to Andrew Johnson and Paul Donnelly for their efforts all season in coaching and managing the boys, the boys are very lucky to have people like you to guide them through being good rugby players, but more importantly, good men.

Most Improved Player Jesse Varney Under 13

Best Trainer Jackson Bunting Under 13

Best Forward Simon Uliano Under 13

Best Back Maretino Kaloudau Under 13

MVP Noah Harmer-Campbell Under 13

Player of the Year Liam Ruki Under 13

STC U13 'Man Of The Year' Cameron Smith Under 13