Rugby - U15 - 2018

The U15 campaign started back in February when a large group of men put their names forward to play. We set a goal at the start of the season to make it into section 1. This is where our team would be competing with the best of the best. Our team had changed quite a bit from the year before, with plenty of new faces to the team. After a trial and numerous warm up games, our season kicked off. We managed to beat Christ College and St Andrews, but just couldn't get the result we wanted against strong teams like St Bedes and Shirley Boys. Injuries 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.

Overall, we ended up finishing 6th in the competition. It wasn't the resulted we wanted, but it did demonstrate that in that competition you have to step up weekly or you get left behind. Luckily this wasn't the end of our season and gave us a second wind in our sails.

In October, the squad went on a Rugby Tour of Japan. With not getting the result we wanted in the Canterbury competition, it gave the team and opportunity to finish how they way they wanted to, with a focus of an undefeated tour. We started with our first game against Tokyo Gakkan. This game was our first and will go down as the hottest game our team has ever played in. Our team battled 35 degree heat, drenched in sweat and lost a few kilograms to win 40-19. This game demonstrated how fast the Japanese play and the passion they bring to the game.

Our second game was in beautiful Shizuoka. Luckily this game was not as hot and our team had burnt off the jet lag. We managed to implement our game plan more effectively and came away with a 36-21 victory. The turning point was visiting a professional Japanese club which an STC Old boy Uwe Helu was playing at. The team watched the training and had a look around the facilities, which opened a lot of eyes to how a professional rugby team's training session is run. After this, we travelled to Kobe for game 3. With two games under the belt, the team was more aware of individual roles and executing these roles effectively within a game. The final result of game 3 was another 36-21 victory to STC against Nada College. The team was stoked at this point with going 3 from 3, but knew the job was not yet finished. The goal of going undefeated was becoming more of a reality and it was important to keep cool, calm and collective.
Our last game was down in Fukuoka, which we had been told would be our hardest game. At the last team meeting, we discussed the game plan and how we wanted finish the last game. Looking around the room, the team management was impressed with the level of concentration and desire to play well for the team and improve as an individuals. The last game was played against Tokai Fukuoka. Great effort from the boys to back up and play two games in two days, with huge amount of travel undertaken across the country of Japan in order to play. Final result was a 64-17 win over Tokai Fukuoka. It was also a great experience for the team to play at Global Arena in Fukuoka, which is home to the Pro Top 14 team Fukuoka Sanix.

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 Michele Marshall, Tim Stringer, Mr. Daniel O'Brien and Mr. Chris Leader. The season wouldn't of been possible without all your efforts. Thanks to Leo Corniish for your spectacular leadership. You led the team extremely well and we appreciate all your contribution through out the season. I wish all the players a great break and good luck for next year.

Thanks, Dean Smith

Awards:

Most Improved Player Mekhye Wiparata Under 15

Best Trainer Mitchell Barrett Under 15

Best Forward Max Sergel-Stringer Under 15

Best Back Jack Mitchell Under 15

MVP Leo Cornish Under 15

Player of the Year Jack Mitchell Under 15

Most Versatile George Doig Under 15