Forwards:

The forward pack of 2015 can be proud of their achievements. We started the year with 2 starting players from the 2014 team, being light in experience was never an excuse as the boys trained extremely hard. Whilst we had difficulties with set piece the ball carrying and breakdown work became a strength as the season wore on. Most weeks we were faced with much larger teams, to the credit of our pack they never saw this as a disadvantage.

Our forwards were challenged early in the season to up skill our catch and pass and decision making as the team pattern involved all 15 playing with width and having the responsibility to play with the ball. As the season wore on we saw the benefits of this as we scored some free flowing tries. Our best performances as a forward pack were against MBHS, Ashburton and Rangiora HIgh school in these games we were able dominate the set piece which was pleasing to see. In the front row we were well served by our captain Delane Luke who showed particular strength with his ball carrying, fellow prop Ei Masuda matured into a good prospect as the season went on and new comer Thomas Hoskin proved a very able at set piece as well making massive improvements around the field throughout the season.

At Hooker Adrian Els demonstrated his strength in general play particularly his performance against Christs College where he was at his best. Patrick Elia ably deputised when called upon showing increasing skill at lineout throwing. We were blessed to have some excellent performers at Lock this year, Liam Robinson learnt quickly at this level and his lineout ability combined with his improvement in the defensive line, his partnership with Richmond Patea-Seve proved to be a real asset for our team as Richmond's defensive ability as well as strength with the ball saw him unstoppable close to the line. These two should be a real force in 2016.

Hugo Moffett a returning player from 2015 played both flank and lock and bought a lot of “mongrel” to the forward pack, he was an uncompromising player who added a steely edge to our pack. In the loose George Gosling in his third year had an excellent season bringing his never say die attitude to trainings and games. He has been an excellent servant for St Thomas rugby during his time. George was joined in the loose by the young duo of Robbie McGing and Alex Coulthard, both players took there opportunities throughout the year. Alex gained a starting spot as the season wore on due to his work rate and his defensive ability. Lm Vaifale gave us a lot of punch and power from number 8 showing plenty of determination getting us over the gain line. It has been a pleasure working with these boys who were extremely committed throughout the season. I would also like to thank the contributions from Faimalo Magele and Rowan O'Gorman working with our boys every Wednesday throughout the season. The key message for the boys returning "hit the roads"!

Steve Hart