Under 13 Report

2019 was a great season for the under 13 team. After a strong showing in 2018 winning section two the boys got together in January to start a grueling preseason campaign. Placed in section one along with four other teams the boys new they would be playing similar opposition for the season and in the back of their mind was the end of season trip to Taupo for the New Zealand Junior Rugby festival. 

The regular season was a good one for the team, with no actual competition the boys played extremely well and were ultra-competitive beating every team including their arch nemesis Christchurch. After this the team travelled up to Taupo for the New Zealand Junior Rugby festival to compete against some of the best teams in NZ and around the world. The boys qualified for the top 8 quarter finals and faced off against powerhouse rugby school Hokianga College, going down unluckily in the last minute to some dubious refereeing. Another fantastic year of growth and development but also building a strong team and team culture was developed – all bedding well for under 14s in 2020. 

On behalf of myself and Harry it was an absolute privilege to coach this team again this year and we both look forward to coaching them again next year.

· Most Improved Player: Caleb Foleni

Caleb has had an absolutely outstanding year. He has always had the right intention i.e. team man hard worker etc Compared to where he was at last year its phenomenal, he has become a real leader and vital in our teams success this year. Consistently awesome week in and week out.

· Best Trainer: Ashton Clark

Ashton epitomises the true STC man and in our team someone like him is vital. The best and hardest worker in the team and always wanting to get better and better – when he is already really good.

· Best Forward: Jonte Hanson

Jonte has been another standout this season. Very coachable and naturally skilful and strong. Gives 110% in everything he does. Good future ahead of him in the sport.

· Best Back: Kaimai Perenara-O’Connell

Kaimai has had another strong season. The skipper has been our key playmaker and general this year. Really stands up when it matters. Our goal kicker, a strong tackler and extremely skilful.

· MVP: Meihana Pauling

Our hot stepping and elusive fullback. Mei has had a great season continually developing his game. A crucial player to have on the field he would always comfortably beat the first two players trying to tackle him. If he was on fire the team would respond – that’s why he is Most valuable.

· Player of the year: Xavier Doocey

Xavier has been superb this season basically being the securer of our ruck ball not afraid to put his body on the line and destroy it in the process. Outstanding over the ball, great defender, elusive runner and goes out and basically does his job as a flanker at 110%.

Team man of the year. Jake Heenan 

Optimizes our team values around working hard, sportsmanship and fair play. Also improved massively and is a key member of the forward pack and whole team culture. Hell of a character.

Chris Leader