1st XV Report

Coaches: Hamish Barclay, Paul Burton & Johnny Leo’o

Captain: Theo Fowler

After a great start to the year our 1st XV team slowly got into their work with a win at home vs Waimea Combined. The next 2 rounds found a tough task with Christ College visiting us then an away game v CBHS. Both resulting in tough losses. After giving CBHS a scare by leading at the break we were unable to keep with a very solid opposition. Picking up a bonus point was something to be proud of.

A few good wins against TBHS and STAC saw confidence build amongst the team. A close loss to St Bedes College at home during Club day was guttering with the boys clawing their way back and dominating most of the second half, only to come up short. Solid wins vs Roncalli in Timaru and Mid-Canterbury combined saw the boys sitting in the top 4. Lincoln HS was the game that got away. Leading 24-7 going into the 2nd half, some bad decisions and poor execution saw Lincoln HS come back and take the lead by 1 point with a penalty kick with 3 minutes to go. After dominating most of the game and enjoying a lot of possession we were penalized out of the game with officials that may have had another agenda. Rangiora HS was the most bizarre game. Down by 40 points after the first half the boys finally got into their work and pulled the score back to just go down by 3 points. If more time on the clock, the result would have been different. Losing the Pasikala brother due to family relocating, hit the team hard, on and off the field. Close losses to SBHS and Nelson College saw the team drop out of the top 8.

Highlight: v STAC. Down on the scoreboard late in the 2nd half the boys fought their way back to score next to the post in the final play of the game to win by 2 points.

A great season none the less with a team that fought way above their weight. Some great fun had on the way and a lot of learnings to take onboard going forward. We are very proud of the boys who represented STC brotherhood with Pride.

We look forward to building a competitive team in 2019 with a good number of the boys returning. 

AWARDS:

1st XV Captain (B. A. L. M. Cup) Theo Fowler 1st XV

Best Team Player (McKeefry Cup) Benjamin Scarlett 1st XV

Most Skilled Player (McWhirter Cup) Tapuloa Uliano 1st XV

Best Trainer Kole Harmer 1st XV

Rookie of The Year Montel Peppard 1st XV

Rookie of The Year Tama Faitotonu 1st XV

Best Back Elisara Vaifale 1st XV

Best Forward Josh Vaifale 1st XV

Most Improved Reece Merrett 1st XV

Player of the Year (STC Cup) Ted Coleman 1st XV