Rugby U16 Report 2015

The 2015 under 16 rugby team experienced as full on season which in reflection opened up the boys to ‘senior’ football and the physical nature needed to succeed in the coming years.

The year started with a ‘trip of a lifetime’ to France, Corsica and Italy for many of the boys. On returning form this we went straight into the gala day vs Shirley in which the boys struggled with the power of the Shirley team. From here we went into the first grading game vs CBHS A in which the team was totally over-run by a very slick team. From these two experiences and the down of coming back from overseas the team needed to find its confidence so it could play with the freedom needed to suit the players.

During the first rounds the team’s fortunes fluctuated as we tried to find our form. We played a good Burnside team on a number of occasions which often got very physical and tight but served to set our season up. Players to impress early in the season where Donnell Dudley at centre, Jonty Cartwright at Prop, Mika Moemalo at twelve and Jade Uliano at eight who all showed consistency in every game.

As we headed into the second round we started to find our groove on attack and a high paced wide-wide game plan suited us well with players such as Lachlan Stove, Jacob Wood and Matt Neilson starting to grow in confidence and performance. However, inconsistency defensively and ability to cope with pressure still let us down as we fought the top 3 teams who were all evenly matched. As the season rounded to a close the top three teams became clear with CBHS, Sydenham and St Thomas’ pulling away.

In the semis we would face Sydenham who had been bolstered by players from at team that had folded in earlier rounds. Games had been close with this team with our width play proving very effective, however the day greeted us with torrential rain which meant the game would be a tight affair. In the end the boys did not cope with the conditions and fell in the semis to end the season.

We were also very lucky to play two touring teams during the year with Armidale and James Sheenan from Australia proving excellent opposition with STC coming out on top in two close competitive games.

The team had many players who improved as the season went on, with Javan Schwass, Jacson McKane and Asoono Puni leading the way. Overall the players who throughout the year in both games and training were leaders were Jonty Cartwright, Francis Verbo, Jade Uliano and Tobi Sunter in the forwards, while Jacob Wood, Matt Neilson, Mika Moemalo and Donnell Dudley proved their class in the backs.

The team coached by Mr Barclay. Mr Rapson and Managed by Mr Biggs would like to wish the boys the best in the future and the fun we shared during the year.