1st XV Report

2020 proved to be a unique year in many ways. The 1st XV season was no exception with the team beginning preparations in November 2019 but after a great pre-season the brakes were applied as all sport ceased under Covid-19 rerstrictions. Fear the season may never begin was averted when the message came through that we had 4 weeks to prepare for our first match, an away trip to Blenheim to face Marlborough Boys’. The trip proved a great start to the year as the team were victorious for the first ever time over MBC in Blenheim. However, a loss to Christ’s College in the rain at home, a five point loss to CBHS and a tough away trip to Nelson meant the team were one win from four to begin the season.

The desire, attitude and heart of this squad were proven over the next 9 weeks with the team winning seven games and only losing by one point to St Bedes with a penalty kick after the final siren. This run of victories meant the most regular season victories by an STC 1st XV with a total of 8. Two of these wins came against top 4 finalists (STAC - eventual Champions and Rangiora) and defeats to the other two finalists by 5 (CBHS) and 1 (SBC). A wonderful achievement by a hardworking group of young men who exemplify the Manawa spirit of STC. Included below are three match reports that were highlights of the season:

Key Games

Rangiora

The 1st XV headed North to face 3rd placed Rangiora HS. After defending relentlessly during the opening exchanges we were unable to hold out a spirited opposition conceding the first try of the game. The boys bounced straight back before halftime to head into the break locked up at 7 a piece. The second half saw wave after wave of STC attack only to be denied on numerous occasions finally crossing late in the match under the sticks complemented by two penalties. Solid defence with a never back down attitude nullified most of RHS’ attack but we would eventually succumb to the continued pressure. In the dying minutes, defending a 3 point lead STC camped up with ball in hand in the RHS half to close out the game and take home the treats with a well earned 20-17 win.

St Andrew’s

The 1st XV came up against top of the table St Andrew’s College at home. The tone of what was to come was set right from the first whistle with some solid hits complimented by strong running. Harry Coleman opened the scoring with a great nudge from 40m out before a spectacular team try and penalty prior to halftime had our boys with a slight lead before turning into the nor-wester. The strong head wind would prove difficult to exit but the boys got into their mahi and were ruthless on defence and precise on attack. Moving the ball from edge to edge proved difficult for STAC resulting in the defensive line bent time after time before finally breaking resulting in another great team try. A dominant display at the set piece from the engine room allowed the backs to show their class. Closing out the game with a strong defensive effort and cool heads in the last 10 minutes nullifying wave after wave of STAC attack showing the character of the team. Great effort rewarded with a 23-14 win.

Shirley Boys’

The 1st XV played a physical Shirley Boys’ on Friday afternoon. The game was always going to be a tight affair and this one did not disappoint. The teams traded tries in the first half and only a conversion departed the two as Shirley led 12-10 at half time. Two tries to Shirley saw them take a 24-10 lead with 18 minutes remaining before an STC try closed the gap to 7. A Shirley penalty took them to a ten point led with as many minutes remaining before a Connor Hibbs kick and chase narrowed the gap to 27-24 with minutes left to play. A tense finish was on the cards as STC had a scrum 45m from Shirley’s line and a simple move with the ball finding Felix Fa’atili who beat numerous defenders down the left hand sideline to cross in the corner. Harry Coleman added the extras and the team controlled the ball for the last minutes for a famous victory at Middlepark Rd. The win is the team’s 7th in 8 matches and a true representation of their Manawa spirit.

A fantastic year with a great bunch of men proving themselves in the UC Championships. Well done to everyone involved and good luck to those leaving us for new adventures in 2021.

Dan O’Brien - Coach