The Tauranga Boys’ College 1st XI travelled to Auckland in August for the 2025 Rankin Cup.

Entering as defending champions, the team knew every opponent would be ready for the challenge.

Pool play began with a 4–2 win over Pakuranga College, highlighted by a superb hat-trick from captain Oscar Baardsen. Later that same day, the side faced eventual finalists New Plymouth Boys’ and fell 7–1. A must-win match against Christchurch Boys’ followed on Tuesday morning, and Tauranga rose to the occasion with a disciplined 2–0 victory that secured a place in the Top 16 and kept their title defence alive.

The round of 16 brought a tough clash with St Andrew’s College. Four early goals proved costly, and despite a strong second half Tauranga went down 6–1. Crossovers followed, beginning with old rivals Hamilton Boys’. Having lost heavily earlier in the year, Tauranga showed improvement with a drawn second half, though the final score was 4–0. Against Whangarei Boys’, early lapses again hurt, ending in a 4–1 loss. The final match was a hard-fought battle with Hastings Boys’, decided only in the last minute as Hastings sealed a 4–2 result.

While the week was challenging, there were clear highlights: Baardsen’s leadership, the win over Christchurch Boys’ under pressure, and the continued narrowing of margins against Hamilton. The tournament provided valuable lessons for the squad and experience for younger players stepping into national competition.

Though Tauranga could not repeat the heroics of 2024, the team represented the school with commitment and fight.