Rugby U15 tournament team Report

The STC U15 rugby team travelled to Nelson to participate in the Rural Rugby Livestock South Island tournament. This was just the second time that the school has participated in the tournament, and although it was an U15 team, it was more of a junior/STC development team, as there were 9 U14 players involved in the 22.

We structured the trip so that the boys were to take repsonsibility for themselves. By this they were required to plan their meals for three days, shop for the food under a budget, and cook for themselves in their cabins. From a management point of view this was a bit of a risk, but any opportunity the group was given, they excelled beyond any expectation.

The rugby was a new experience also for the boys, as we were to play two 40 minute games, for three days. So recovery, nutrition, self-management etc. were all important things to consider for us to succeed. Our first game was against hosts Waimea College, who were highly regarded. Coming up against one of the best forward packs in the competition, the boys pulled off an impressive 29-5 win. In game two we played Gore High school and struggled to play to pattern, however we were too strong individually and ran out 42-5 winners.

Day two bought some very heavy rain, and a day that management identified as a hazardous day in terms of our performances. However the complacency stayed away and the boys stamped their mark on the tournament, and eradicated any myth of being a dry weather team. We played Dunstan High School first up and produced the performance of the tournament, running away with the win 40-0. The boys thrived in the wet and cold conditions. This qualified us top equal of the tournament with defending champs South Otago High School, however we finished 2nd due to points differential. We faced Tairei College later that day in our quarter final, beating them 37-5 setting up a semi-final on day three with Rangiora High School.

The boys were excited for our semi-final match up Vs Rangiora High School, and the match did not disappoint. In an exciting encounter, teams traded tries. When one team looked to take hold of the game, the other would strike back. Unfortunately the game was negatively influenced by the ref, who awarded Rangiora with 12 penalties to our 3 in 40 minutes of rugby. This, along with a Patrick Elia sin-binning, proved to be too much of a hurdle to overcome and the boys went down 28-24, with goal kicking being the difference as both teams scored 4 tries each. Rangiora went on to lose the final to South Otago High School 12-5.

A few important mentions of those who contributed greatly to the trip. Richard Coleman did a great job, not just this tournament, but the whole season. His knowledge and respect of the boys was a huge asset to the environment, not to mention the share passion and competitiveness of the man. Paul Burton, who came as a manager. Had his work cut out for him but dealt with things in a professional manner. A big thanks goes to Donna O'Reilly, whose efforts to raise money to help fund the trip really enabled it to go ahead and provide the boys with this experience that was hopefully a positive one for them all, as i know it was for management. Also a mention to Patrick Elia, George Harding and Tapu Uliano who were selected in the tournament team and Latrelle Cox who received our teams MVP award. These players would not have been able to be selected for these honours without the hard work and dedication of all involved, so well they were the ones named, having three players in the tournament team is a result of how well the team performed as the whole.

There were a few questions marks over how the trip was structured, from people outside the group, but this is the second year i have worked with the majority of these boys and, although there was plenty of opportunity for things to not go to plan, the boys showed a huge amount of maturity and leadership to allow things to run smoothly of which i anticipated.

Rugby u15 Report

Falling at the semi-final hurdle for both the Chch div 2 comp and U15 tourney was obviously disappointing but I think we can be well pleased with the results achieved. There were certainly some memorable performances that you can all be proud of – Boys High U15A (last 60 mins), Boys High U14A (the first game!), Boys High U15B, the STAC games, Roncalli, Day 2 at the U15 tourney (wet weather footy!!). Inconsistency of performances was our Achilles heel which, as Chris eludes to below, was due to some variable commitment from players at times.

A massive thanks to Richard Coleman for helping out with the coaching this year. And also Chris again for his management of the team. A frustrating campaign but the passion and motivation towards the team that both of you contributed was vital. Also a big thanks to all the parents for supporting the boys and the travel involved to give these boys the opportunity. Very much appreciated!

Kieran Coll