Rugby Club, September 2015

Newsletter 5, 2015 Friday 18th September

Being Director of Rugby at Scots College for this 2015 season has been both enjoyable and rewarding. They are a great group of young men at this college and parents should be proud of their success and character throughout the season.

Scots has only 187 rugby players registered and we field 8 teams. I would like to thank all the players for the hard work they have put in this season. A special thank you must also go to our dedicated team of coaches, managers and parents who have supported us this season. Without you, we would not have had such a successful season - “together we are stronger”

We managed to have 5 teams make the semi-finals in their grades - the U55s, U65s, U15s, 2nd XV & 1st XV. From those teams, 3 teams made their respective Grand Finals - the U65s, 2nd XV and the 1st XV. This is a huge achievement.

From those 3 finals, we had one team crowned as Champions of their grade and we would like to congratulate the Under 65s for their great season, they are worthy winners of their grade. Well done to their Coaches Dave Scott, Peter Connell & Cliff Montu, and thank you for the great work you have put into the boys this season.

The 2nd XV made their fourth consecutive Premier Three final for the mighty Onslow Cup. This was a team who have grown in skill and depth over the season, turning early defeats into victory at the business end of the season. Excellently coached by Will Struthers, Alistair Hamilton and Kevin James they fought all the way in the final against St. Pat’s Silverstream but couldn’t quite deliver the knockout blow. This same team then stepped into the 1st XV’s breach at Quad and performed with real passion and pride in the Moascar Cup defence against STAC’s Development team. Judging by the comments after Quad and irrespective of the result, the boys valued the experience highly.

What an amazing journey the 1st XV have had over the last couple months. Character and determination are just some words to describe the performances that this group of young men put together to prepare themselves for contention in the National Top 4 competition.

It all started for this special group at the Wellington Weltec Premeir 1 final where they were undefeated going into the match and they lost their first match of the competition against a very good St Pat’s Town team.

Coming 2nd gave the 1st XV another lifeline and they went into a wild card game against Wanganui High School. Winning this game meant they would travel 8-10 hours up to Gisborne and play the highly rated Gisborne Boys’ High School. Winning meant they would play in the final of the Hurricanes region, a repeat against St Pat’s Town. This time we won and the 1st XV won back to back Hurricanes titles – champions again and an outstanding effort by this team.

From there the 1st XV played their Top 4 semi final against a very good Otago Boys’ High School side who were South Island Champions. We managed to fight back and win a tightly-fought match 35-27. The final was always going to be tough and was played against a very mature and experienced Rotorua Boys’ High School on their home pitch. The team played their hearts out in this match but it was not meant to be losing 36-27.

Thank you to all our Scots college rugby community for the ongoing support that you have given to all our teams this year.

Congratulations to all our teams this year but I would like to add a special mention to our three 1st XV players who have been selected to play for the New Zealand Secondary Schools team to tour Australia this month.

1. Alex Fidow 2. Thomas Umaga-Jensen 3. Peter Umaga-Jensen

Peter Umaga-Jensen also has been named captain for the New Zealand Secondary School team for 2015. This is excellent news and we are so proud of you all.

Filo Tiatia

Director of Rugby [email protected]

Club sponsorship – a big thank you to:

Premier Sponsors of the Scots College Rugby Club

Suzuki New Zealand

Bronze Sponsors

Unichem Clive

Fine Touch Catering

We also acknowledge and thank those families who supported our recent appeal to purchase items of equipment.

2015 End of the year prize giving evening

What a fantastic evening celebrating a great season and the achievements of our players and the accolades that all our teams accomplished this year. I would like thank our guest speaker, Wellington and New Zealand All Black legend Andy Leslie, for the amazing words of wisdom and encouragement he imparted to all our players, staff/management and parents that were present for the evening.

I would also like to thank all our rugby community for making an effort to attend this special Event - over 280 people attended the awards ceremony this year. As Andy Leslie mentioned in the evening “the winners that received trophies tonight will owe loads of credit to all their team mates, without you the winners would not have received their rewards” I would like to thank the efforts again from all our Coaches and Management team, but especially from all our players and supporting families.

All Winners and our Suzuki Scots XV below

Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player 1st XV Alex Fidow Thomas Umaga-Jensen Harry Saker Peter Umaga-Jensen Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player 2nd XV Josh Rippin Drew A. Meiklejohn Kiwa Erueti Newman Connor Rowbotham Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player U15 Max Taptiklis Jack Gray Oliver Aikman-Nordon Jack Mexted

Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player U65 Max Gibbs Connor Nelson Harry Fraser Max Gibbs

Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player U55 Will Park Jack Healy Albert Humphries Harry Beverley

Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player Y7 & Y8 1st XV Jacob Hawtin Daniel Tafili Vihin Peckler Maea Tema Schmidt

Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player Y7 & Y8 2nd XV Louie Gibson Tane Gonzalez Matthew Boyle Fraser Harding

Team Best Forward Best Back Most Improved Player Most Valuable Player Colts Scot Sheffield Marco Muollo Samuel Maitland Scot Sheffield Gray Gray

Scots XV 2015 Team

The Scots XV team is awarded to the most committed and outstanding player for each position selected from across all the rugby teams. It is a huge honour and rewards not just talent but character, leadership and effort.

1. Moala Katoa 2. Caelan Burns 3. Alex Fidow (VC) 4. Henry Mexted 5. Kiwa Erueti Newman 6. Connor Rowbotham 7. Hamish Mansell 8. Maea Tema-Schmidt 9. Harry Beverley 10. Stanley Solomon 11. Jake Thomson 12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen 13. Peter Umaga-Jensen © 14. Jack Healy 15. Jack Gray

Other winners of the evening

 1st XV Most Improved Forward – Moala Katoa  1st XV Most Improved Back – Ollie Whiteman  Most Hearted Endeavour Player of the year - Laws Trophy – Alex Fidow  1st XV player of the year – Peter Umaga-Jensen

Important Dates to put in the Diary

MCKK Sevens tournament – Malaysia 2016

Scots has been invited back for the third year in a row. We intend sending an U16 Development side (12 players) to this tournament in late February 2016.

Rugby Sevens registrations

Now open to all that are interested in playing this great game at either Premier, U16 (see above) or U15 level.

If you are unsure please contact the Director of rugby at [email protected]

To register click on the link http://www.sportsground.co.nz/form.asp?formid=29888

 6th October Sevens Open day training (To all players for open weight to U15 players)

 16th October Rugby Fundraiser @ Monsoon Poon $50 a head (Includes food and drinks for the evening) – See next page

 17th October Wellington 7s @ Wakefield park

 26th October Wellington Schools qualifying for concords nationals @ Naenae College

 21st November Under15 7s festival @ Naenae College

Game Reports

1st XV Top 4 Final Scots 1st XV v Rotorua Boys High school 1st XV

Venue Rotorua Boys High school

Date 6th September

Conditions Fine with a southerly wind breeze

Rotorua Boys' High School: 36 (Isaac Te Aute 2, James Tofa 2, Te Ra Whata tries; Kaleb Trask 4 con, 1 pen) Scots College: 27 (Alex Fidow 2, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jack Gray tries; Malo Manuao 2 con, 1 pen) HT: 19-7

Scots College's quest for a second successive national secondary schools rugby title failed at the final hurdle. They lost 36-27 to Rotorua Boys' High School in the final on Sunday, with the home team finishing strongly in front of their fans despite ending the game with just 13 men. Rotorua were leading 29-27 in the final 10 minutes when they had two brain explosions.

Second-five Waisea Nuimataiwalu was sent off for a careless and dangerous tip-tackle, before halfback Ra Whata was yellow carded for punching with just minutes on the clock. However, after a series of breakdown turnovers, Rotorua No 8 Kaydis Hona bashed over to score the winning try and was promptly swamped by pitch-invading Rotorua fans.

Rotorua first five-eighth Kaleb Trask sent the conversion through the posts as the final hooter sounded, sparking a second pitch invasion. It could have been very different for Scots, having gone up 22-19 early in the second half, after trailing 19-12 at halftime.

But they were unable to mount a second comeback late in the game. Inspirational vice-captain Alex Fidow scored two tries in his final game for Scots, taking his career tally to 49 tries in 60 games.

The Umaga-Jensen twins, Peter and Thomas, have scored 58 tries between them in the past two seasons, but only Peter could get across the line on Sunday - a 90-metre runaway effort which gave his side that early second half lead.

Scots coach Filo Tiatia said he was immensely proud of the way his team had played in the final. "They fought back and made decisions on how they wanted to control the game, unfortunately we just couldn't get quite get over the line.

"We were pretty disappointed, we prepared pretty well to win it but it just didn't work out that way." The dramatic final had kept everyone on their toes, he said. "To use a boxing analogy, it was well weighted and punch-for-punch, it was just one of those games that kept everyone on the edge of their seat, coaches included.

"Playing in Rotorua was always going to be a difficult task but the boys prepared well. "They [Rotorua] had some dangerous attacking players that we tried to contain and it was a good game."

Tiatia said he felt the final should have been played on a neutral ground, but it wasn't the reason they lost. "It's always going to be a strong home crowd when you're playing at Rotorua Boys' High, maybe that's something that the school council and secondary schools rugby need to look at moving forward, when you're playing a team in the top four and it's not a neutral ground. "Fair credit to them though, taking nothing away from them, they won, they deserve it and they're national champions."

Tiatia said all of the year 13s were expected to leave the team, including Fidow, the Umaga- Jensens, hooker Nu'u Haueia and locks Jarimar Schuster and Henry Mexted. But the team faced a similar upheaval at the end of last season after winning the national title, Tiatia said.

"It was quite a different group this year, with the exception of the Umaga-Jensen twins, Alex Fidow, Henry Mexted and some of the year 13 boys it was a totally different group. "We tried to grow a lot of young men, to get a bit of a taste of first XV rugby in year 10 and 11.

"We were very happy about how we developed and how we grew. "It's always nice to become the national champions, second place is not a bad place but we had a focus on winning a few trophies and we managed to do that, so it was a pleasing season."

The team would retain a number of exciting talents for next season, he said. "Connor Garden- Bachop missed the top-four with concussion, Malo Manuao had an exceptional season this year and Harry Saker will be back next year, as will Jack Loader.

"We'll have a number of players coming back which will give us a bit of a headstart and we'll have more players coming through in the younger ranks, but we'll look at that when we get there."

Meanwhile, nine players from Wellington schools have made the 53-man New Zealand Secondary Schools rugby wider training group, including Fidow and the Umaga-Jensens. Surprisingly, none of Scots' conquerors from Rotorua made the squad.

Top 4 Semi Final Scots 1st XV v Otago Boys’ High School 1st XV

Venue Rotorua Boys High school

Date 4th September

Scots College 35: Peter Umaga-Jensen, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Lotunu'u Haueia, Moala Kafoa tries; Malo Manuao 3 con, 3 pen. Otago Boys 27: Slade McDowall 2, Sione Asi 2 tries; Burns Mills 2 con, pen Halftime: 17-17 (report from Otago Daily Times)

Otago Boys' High School was left to rue its discipline as it lost a thrilling top four semi-final to Scots College in Rotorua yesterday. Coach Ryan Martin admitted a penalty given away for a push on a player when the ball was out of play was costly and was a real blow to his side.

Otago Boys lost 35-27 to the Wellington school, after the game was tied up 17-17 at the break. Otago Boys' will face St Kentigern College in the playoff for third tomorrow, after Rotorua Boys' High School won the other semi-final 7-5 over the Auckland school.

The match between Otago Boys' and Scots College was a seesawing encounter and could have gone either way. Otago Boys' was ahead 27-25 with seven minutes left when it gave a needless penalty away, pushing over a Scots College player who was trying to retrieve the ball after it had gone out.

Scots College kicker Malo Manuao stepped up and landed a fine penalty goal from 42m out to give his side the lead.

Otago Boys’ tried to come back into the game and got back into Scots territory near the end but it lost the ball, Scots swept down the field and second five-eighth Thomas Umaga-Jensen scored to seal the win.

It was a tough way to lose for the side representing the South Island and Otago Boys' coach Ryan Martin said there was not much between the two teams. ''We controlled the game most of the time. In the first half we were making all the play and I thought they were living a bit off our scraps,'' he said. ''We said at halftime if we maintained the ball then we would score tries. But they have some very good players who, if you give them anything, they'll take a lot.''

Otago Boys' started the game well and No8 Slade McDowall scored a stunning try when he ran 50m off the back of the scrum to score in the corner. He added a second about halfway through the first half, bursting off the back of a 5m scrum. Big prop Sione Asi then scored a try but Scots came back to tie the game up at halftime.

Asi scored in the second half to keep Otago Boys close and when Burns Mills put over a penalty and put his side ahead 27-25 with 15 minutes to go, the game was on a knife edge. Otago Boys' goalkicking was less than 50%, which was disappointing.

Otago Boys' was also handicapped by losing captain Liam Sharples for a yellow card early in the second half for stomping. Alex Fidow, who usually plays prop for his side but turned out at No8 yesterday, was a massive battering ram for Scots College while the Umaga-Jensen twins, Peter and Thomas, were dangerous in the backs.

Martin said the side was disappointed but had the game against St Kentigern College to look forward to. He said the side was making gains all the time. ''The last time we came up here for the top four, we were probably a spread of 25 points to the top teams. Now we have really closed that gap.''

Playing in the Dunedin colts grade had greatly improved his side, he said.

Hurricanes Grand Final (Champions)

Scots 1st XV v St Pats Town 1st XV

Venue Jerry Collins Collins Stadium

Date 29th August 2015

Conditions Fine and Fast

HT – 8-16 (St Pats Town)

Result - 23-19 Tries: Malo Manuao, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, and Alex Fidow, Penalties: Malo Manuao (2) Conversion: Manuao (1)

It was the 1st time that two schools from Wellington would be contesting for the Hurricanes Regional Trophy. A fantastic achievement by both schools. This is what Scots 1st XV wanted after losing the Weltec Wellington Schools premiership 1st XV final to the same team two weeks earlier

The match started fast with St Pats Town College taking the initiative and making sure that they were going forward and scored an outstanding individual try from Hannon Brighouse 25 meters out of the base of the scrum to beat four scots college defenders. St pats Town lead 10 -0

Scots attack and are relentless in St Pats 22 meter mark as they pile on the pressure. St Pats infringe and are off side with a penalty and converted by Malo Manuao to take the score to 10-3 with 15mins gone on the clock.

Ill-discipline starts to creep into the game as Scots College give away two penalties and is converted by the consistent Zac Donaldson and take the score to 16-3. Scots college are rewarded with a scrum just outside St Pats town 22 meter mark. Some brilliant work from Malo Manuao with a show and go movements and accelerates past 3 confused defenders to score one of the best tries of the season to close the gap to 16-8

Second half starts with a hiss and a roar as Scots kick off and Thomas Umaga-Jensen soars in the air to reclaim possession to start the fight back. One of the youngest members Jack Gray called into the Squad but also did not train all week because of illness had an outstanding match and to put the ever relentless attacking strike power of Thomas Umaga-Jensen to score in the left hand corner to take the scores to 16-13

Penalties were rewarded to both teams and the score is 19-16 with 10mins remaining. Scots college attack from deep where some great lead up work and aggressive carrying from Jack Loader. The Umaga-Jensen twins are both in quick support to take the Scots attack forward with the ever present Alex Fidow to power his way over to score and make it 23-19 and take the lead for the first time in the match

With 3 mins remaining Thomas Umaga-Jensen is controversially yellow carded for being off side. Scots defended with 14 men and did enough to hold out the St Pats Town side to once again be crowned the Hurricanes Regional 1st XV team and to represent the Hurricanes in the National top 4 again

Scots assistant coach Geoff Hall said. "It doesn't matter who you meet in the first game, they are all strong teams and you just have to be on your game. "You hope that everything aligns and if you get a couple of lucky breaks, you never know. But the main difference this year is that the team is pretty battered and bruised. Alex [Fidow] has an ankle problem but he will soldier on. Thomas [Umaga-Jensen] is carrying a few niggles and Peter [Umaga-Jensen] just play sore most weeks. But that is just the nature of the beast and I think this will be their 21st match [of the season] on Saturday.”

"We don't have big playing numbers and the spine of the team, the likes of the twins, Alex, Henry Mexted, Joe Boswell and Nu'u Haueia have to play virtually every match. Lock Jarimar Schuster fractured a leg in the Wellington final and has been a significant loss, while fullback Connor Garden-Bachop missed last weekend and is in doubt for this week, after suffering a head knock against Gisborne. Harry Saker, normally a loose forward, has replaced Schuster at lock and did well against Town. "Harry had a really good game," Hall said. "He carried well and defended well, against some big boys."

Scots had to come from behind against Gisborne Boys' the week before and did the same against Town. Town was up 16-3 after 30 minutes and it was inside the last 10 minutes before Scots led for the first time. "It was a great game of rugby and both sides played well," Hall said. "Had the bounce of the ball gone Town's way, they could have won. They had a couple of really good chances.

Hurricanes Semi Final

Scots 1st XV v Gisborne Boys High School 1st XV

Venue Gisborne Boys High School

Date 22nd August 2015

Conditions Fine and Fast

Result – Draw 33-33 (Scots win 5 tries to 4) Tries: H Mexted, A Fidow, T Umaga-Jensen, C Garden- Bachop (2), Conversions: M Manuao (2), Penalties: M Manuao (2)

This was always a match that required everyone on board to play their part in a plan to get on top of a very good and fast Gisborne Boys High school. The team travelled up to Gisborne at 10pm that Thursday evening and arrived 6.30am and straight into a pool recovery and activation session. The boys were billeted out to the families of the Gisborne rugby community and were looked after very well

The conditions for Saturday 22nd August was warm and the grounds were perfect for running attacking rugby which suited both teams.

Gisborne started better as they turned over ball straight away and were quick to reacted and created space easily and to score a try early. Scots fought back and attacked with pace and precision and manged to score some fine tries through Connor Garden-Bachop and Alex Fidow half time score was 16-16

2nd half started slow for the scots team and conceded some points from some fine work from Gisborne’s hard working forward pack. Gisborne were 33 – 16 up and with 15minutes to go. It was full om attack Scots DNA style and score from anywhere and from everywhere. Some end to end work from all forwards and backs and everyone that was at the ground witnessed some of the finest attacking display that the Scots College 1st XV have put together all season.

Character and courage were the two main elements that got this team through but also Team spirit and mental toughness and self-belief that was thrown out from the team leaders as they grew in confidence which saw Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Connor Garden-Bachop and finally Henry Mexted to score under the posts giving the conversion distance and easy attempt for Malo Manuao to kick and draw the match. Once the game was blown from the referee it was still unclear to who had won the match. After a quick recap on the rules it was clear that the team that had scored the most try’s in a drawn game is declared the winner. (Scots college scored 5 tries to Gisborne’s 4) Scots college go through to the Hurricanes regional final. What a match

Hurricanes Wild card game

Scots 1st XV v Wanganui High School 1st XV

Venue Cooks Gardens at Wanganui

Date 15th August 2015

Conditions Over cast and rain

Scots College 57 (C Garden-Bachop 2, A Fidow 2, J Wilson, H Mexted, J Boswell, S Fox, M Sisson tries; M Manuao 5 con, P Umaga-Jensen con) bt Wanganui High School 11 (D Kauika try, M Millar 2 pen). HT: 19-3. Power and pace, which even the representative players who competed before them would envy, was displayed by Wellington's Scots College in their 57-11 disposal of Wanganui High School First XV at Cooks Gardens on Saturday.

Taking the field after the Steelform Wanganui v Hawke's Bay Saracens match, WHS had wanted to pit themselves against one of the country's stronger schools in the Land Rover 1st XV competition.

After reeling from a lightning start where Scots scored in the opening minutes, then led 19-3 at halftime, WHS showed plenty of resolve and closed the gap to 19-11, after first five Mitchell Millar landed two penalties and speedy fullback Daniel Kauika scored a breakout try from a brilliant run and flick pass by centre Blair Osbourne.

However, from there Scots increased the tempo as their giant No8 Alex Fidow, backed up by prop Moala Katoa and second-five Thomas Umaga-Jensen, were able to cut through at will.

Fidow would power over for two tries while providing the impetus for several more with his rampaging bursts, while fullback Connor Garden-Bachop also scored tries in each half.

Winger Malo Manuao could have given some tips to the Wanganui goal kickers, as he landed five from six conversions, including several from out wide.

WHS had tried to hold out desperately in the dying minutes to keep Scots College from reaching the half century, but the Wellington school kept taking quick lineouts and running it back hard for two of their bench players to cross inside the final two minutes.

For the home side, halfback captain Cameron Davies had a good match while the forwards all gave their best against much bigger opposition.

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 9th August 2015

1st XV v St Pats Town

Venue and conditions Jerry Collins Park – showers

Result: loss 8 – 19 (HT 3 – 19) Tries: P Umaga-Jensen, Penalty: M Manuao

MVP Points; 3 Points Alex Fidow, 2 points Henry Mexted, 1 Point Sam Fox

A disappointing day for the 1st XV being outplayed in the first half and leaving our best too late. St Pats College used their size to dominate the Scots forward pack at scrum time and at the break down. Added to Scots problems were the windy conditions that made lineouts difficult.

The inside backs were therefore put under pressure to distribute the ball wide and the rush defence of St Pats forced Scots into errors that resulted in an intercept try and a similar try from a loose pass.

The second half was Scots, dominating possession as they attempted to speed up the pace of the game. Scots made several breaks and created opportunities but St Pats desperation and determination conceded only one try. St Pats well deserved winners on the day.

Scots College have lost one title but can still end the term with a trophy in the cabinet. The Scots first XV were unable to retain their Wellington title but still have the Moascar Cup and remain in contention for the Hurricanes schools title.

Previously, a loss in the Wellington final usually marked the end of the season but that is no longer the case. With Taranaki leaving the Hurricanes franchise, the Wellington premiership runners-up get a second life, and it is possible that Scots and St Pat's Town could meet again, in the Hurricanes final at the end of the month.

Town are able to have a breather this weekend while Scots travel to Whanganui to play Wanganui High School.

Wanganui, who play in the Manawatu under-21 competition, might struggle against a Scots side who will want to show that their performance last weekend was not a true indication of their worth.

But Scots will not get an easy run to the Hurricanes final, as a win against Wanganui would lead to an away semi-final against Gisborne Boys' High. Gisborne, who lost to Scots in a Hurricanes semi- final last year, have consistently produced strong rugby sides and have been especially effective at home.

They had three wins and four losses in the Super 8 competition this year but beat Palmerston North Boys' 23-7 at home and pushed the Super 8 finalists Hamilton Boys' and Rotorua Boys' in home games. Gisborne also recorded a 39-0 win against St Pat's Town in the first XV festival in May, though they lost to Silverstream a week later.

Scots were below their best in the Wellington final. They were up against a determined and capable Town team but made far too many errors, particularly in the first half. Down 19-3 at halftime, Scots needed to score early in the second half but couldn't and left themselves with too much to do.

It was the first loss to a New Zealand team for Scots since they went down 28-26 to Silverstream in a round robin game in June last year. Their one loss in 18 previous games this year had been at the Sanix world youth tournament, where they were beaten 34-8 in their semi-final clash with Brisbane Boys' College. It has also been rare for Scots to be restricted to just one try, and that came late in the final.

"That's not like us and we were disappointed with how we played, particularly in the first half," Scots coach Filo Tiatia said. "We gifted them two tries in the first half. "But Town were definitely the better team on the day. They dominated up front and unsettled us at the set pieces."

The Moascar Cup was not at stake in the Wellington final but will be if Scots make the national top four.

The Scots squad was showing the effects of the final on Monday. "They all pulled up feeling sore and bruised," Tiatia said. "It was a very physical game and also mentally draining."

Scots have also lost experienced lock Jarimar Schuster, who is out for the rest of the season after fracturing a leg in the final. "He has played really well for us and he still had a couple of goals he wanted to achieve this year," Tiatia said.

Skipper Peter Umaga-Jensen also has some injury concerns and is not certain to play this weekend.

Scots College Rugby Club

2nd XV

Report on the Annual Quad Tournament

Results:

Scots 10 – STAC 20

Scots 16 – St Kentigern 56

Report:

The 2nd XV had a rare opportunity to represent Scots at the annual Presbyterian Schools Quad tournament this year. It was heartening to know that the School supported a 2nd XV team to attend the tournament and a measure of just how far Scots rugby has come over the past few years. We didn’t manage to hold on to the Moascar Cup, losing 20-10 to STAC and two days later had plenty of tackling practice against St Kents. However, there are many positives that we took away from this competition.

I’ll remember it for the fantastic learning experience it provided for all of us involved. I’ll remember the pride on the boys faces as they donned the 1st XV jersey for the first time and how we felt when the boys ran out against St Andrews to represent the school at such a special and historic tournament for such a special and historic cup. I’ll remember the surge of optimism in the second half when Isaiah Peachey scored, closing the gap to 5 points, followed by the devastation at full time and the way the boys stood in respectful silence as the final result sunk in. I’ll remember Josh Rippin’s graceful impromptu speech to the opposition as he congratulated them on winning the Moascar cup. I’ll remember the camaraderie and the spirit with which they played, the way the young players from the U15s stepped up, played their part and bought into our team culture and the way our senior 2nd XV players welcomed them. I’ll remember it for the positive way our young men conducted themselves both on and off the field.

Boys, make sure you remember it for the right reasons.

Thanks to all players, coaches and supporters for what has been a great season.

Head Coach

Will Struthers

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 22/08/15

Scots 2nd XV v Silverstream 3rd XV Premier 4 Grand Final

Venue and conditions: Silverstream – nice day

Result: Scots 17 – Silverstream 20

Coach’s comment: Perhaps the occasion got the better of us in the first 10 minutes as we found ourselves 10-0 down after suffering some uncharacteristic defensive lapses in mid-field. We rallied, grabbing a try to Sam Walsh just before the break and then mounted a strong comeback in the second half with an early try to McGregor Kereama which nudged us ahead 12-10. Stream put us under enormous pressure in our own half and we struggled to clear our lines, opting to run ourselves out of danger. Consequently they capitalised on our mistakes and scored two further tries to take the score to 20-12 with 10 minutes to play. A breakaway try to Fijian flyer Solo Sovea gave us a glimpse of hope and we spent the last 2 minutes of the game launching attack after attack, desperately looking for a chink in the Silverstream armour. Unfortunately we left our run just a fraction too late.

MVP: 3, 2, 1

3 = Connor Rowbotham 2 = Josh Rippin 1 = Sam Walsh

Overall Points Scored

Name Tries Conversions Penalties Drop Goals Total Smith 1 1 8 Partington 2 10 Boudet 2 16 36 Sovea 11 55 McHardy 4 5 30 Findlay 1 5 M Sisson 7 35 Dalton 1 5 Matinde 4 15 Whiteman 1 5 Meiklejohn 2 10 Rippin 3 15 Katoa 1 5 Nixon 1 5 Harding 1 5 Patten 1 5 Walsh 2 1 12 Kereama 1 5

Overall MVP Points Name Points Connor Rowbotham 13 Camille Boudet 7 Matt Sisson 7 Quinn McHardy 5 Nic Dalton 5 Muchengeti Matinde 3

Reuben Partington 3 Cam Sisson 3 Tiliga Smith 3 Angus Hermannson 2 James Pearce 2 McGregor Kereama 2

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 15/08/15

Scots 2nd XV v Tawa 2nd XV Premier 4 Semi Final

Venue and conditions: Tawa – mild day but heavy underfoot

Result: Scots 25 – Tawa 14

Coach’s comment: We had to soak up a sustained onslaught from Tawa in the first 10 minutes and it took a long time for us to get our hands on the ball. When we did we played some excellent rugby in the 1st half. Our set piece was strong, especially our lineout drive which gave us front foot ball that the backs used effectively with Reuben Partington scoring off a set play and Josh Rippin muscling his way over from a maul. Tawa came back hard in the second half but tries to Quinn McHardy and an intercept to Sam Walsh who ran 80 metres to score his first for the school put the game beyond doubt.

MVP: 3, 2, 1

3 = Connor Rowbotham 2 = Kiwa Erueti-Newman 1 = Tiliga Smith

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 08/08/15

Scots 2nd XV v Mana College 1st XV Premier 4 Quarter Final

Venue and conditions: Scots - wet

Result: Scots 12 – Mana 5

Coach’s comment: We dominated the territory and possession stats in the first half, managing to keep the ball away from Mana for the first 15 minutes of the game. Strong running from Meiklejohn earned him a good try after some excellent work from the forwards in the lineout drive following another clean take from the colossal Kiwa. Great work from the likes of Sisson, Dalton and Matsis saw us back in Mana territory moments later before Sovea powered through a few weak tackles to score our only other try in the game (his tenth of the season). At half time we felt confident that we were ten minutes away from shutting them out of the game. As it happened, Mana upped their game in the second half and had us on the back foot, eventually scoring out wide. Momentum seemed to swing back their way and for a long period we couldn’t get out of our own territory, making too many mistakes with the ball and not being clinical enough at the break down. We finished well but this was definitely a game of two halves!

MVP: 3, 2, 1

3 = Raphael Matsis 2 = Matt Sisson 1 = Quinn McHardy

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 01/08/15

Scots 2nd XV v Wellington College 3rd XV

Venue and conditions: Scots - wet

Result: Scots 32 – Wellington College 5

Coach’s comment: It was a pleasure to witness the boys really step up and make a statement before the semi-finals after a poor performance at Silverstream last week. The pivotal moment came early in the second half when up 15-0 we found ourselves camped on our own line for roughly ten minutes. The boys showed real character and desire on defence, managing to soak up pressure for such a sustained period of time, denying wave after wave of attack from their opponents. When we eventually got our hands on the ball, the counter attack was clinical and

Sovea ran the length of the field to score a try that effectively sealed the game. A great team win. Now for the semi-finals.

MVP: 3, 2, 1

3 = Kiwa Erueti Newman 2 = William Findlay 1 = Zack Patten

Scots College Rugby Club

U15

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT: Lindisfarne Tournament

Scots College U15

Venue and conditions: Lindisfarne, Hastings. Fine and firm

Results: vs Wairarapa College Won 22-19, vs Rathkeale College Lost 10-5, vs St Johns College lost 18-3, vs St Peters College (playoff for 5/6) won 10-7 Tournament Report: Scots headed to Lindisfarne already on the back foot with the loss of many key players from our successful Wellington season. Gone from our regular team were: Jack Gray, Isiah Peachey, Thomas Woods, Max Taptikilis, Blake Sieverts, Cam Stevens, Artyom Turk and Ezekiel Fiso. While we were thrilled to see Jack and Isiah selected for our First XV in their quest to win the national title for the 2nd year running, we knew that it would weaken us significantly. We opened our first day with a 22-19 win against Wairarapa College. This was a good start to the tournament though our lack of strike power meant that we failed to capitalise on all our attacking opportunities. We dominated most aspects of the game yet only managed to win, thanks to a Jack Mexted penalty.

Day 2 saw us drawn against Rathkeale where we went down in extremely controversial circumstances 10-5. With the games limited to 15 minute halves, once a team got ahead, it was difficult to pull them back. Some extremely poor decisions, including the allowance of an illegitimate try meant that we suffered our first loss. Our next game against St Johns saw us again fail to capitalise on scoring opportunities that were created and we went down in the 2nd half despite being tied at halftime. Our inability to finish off scoring situations was becoming increasingly frustrating as this had not been an issue all season. However, with new players pulled from the Under 65s, and others playing out of position, we lacked the fluidity and accuracy that had been the hallmark of our season. Day 3 saw us drawn against St Peters for a play-off for 5/6 place. Again we dominated the majority of the game but failed to score more than 1 try which was indicative of our whole tournament. Holding on for a 10-7 win, we at least finished the Tournament in winning fashion, despite the poor quality of our performance. 5th place was not really a fair indication of our ability and it’s fair to say we were a bit disappointed with our overall placing. On the positive side, Jack Mexted’s leadership on and off the field, and the continuing rise of Roderick Solo were real highlights.

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 15/08/15

Scots College U15 v Silverstream College. Division 1 semi final

Venue and conditions: Silverstream College: Overcast, cold and very boggy

Result: Silverstream 59 - 0

Tries: Conversions: Penalties:

MVP: 3, 2, 1

3 = Max Taptiklis 2 = Roderick Solo 1 = Jack Mexted

Match Report: Unfortunately there was not to be a happy ending to the Scots College U15 Rugby season. Coming into the game on the back of a fantastic win against Wellington College the previous week hopes were high that history could continue to be made for another week.

Silverstream however had other ideas and started the game with a try in the first minute that rocked Scots into action. The following 5 – 10 mins were perhaps Scots best of the game as they surged up field and almost scored in the corner. Following another 5 metre attacking lineout Scots were again denied by poor handling in the corner. A try during this period of play would have given the boys the boost they needed to get into the game. Silverstream quickly countered after this to stretch the score to 12 – 0 after 15 minutes. Scots stood firm until the last 5 minutes of the half when Silverstream again crossed twice in quick succession to lead at half time 26 to 0.

The second half was not to come to the rescue for Scots as Silverstream piled on 5 more unanswered tries leaving the Scots team scoreless for the first time this season. With a number of promising players still eligible for U15 rugby next year the future looks bright for Scots college U15 rugby team.

Match Report:

Overall Points Scorers

Name Tries Conversions Penalties Drop Total Goals Cavubati 15 1 77 Shaw-Tait 7 16 67 Gray 12 60 Turk 8 1 42 Peachey 6 30 Woods 1 11 1 30 Naylor 4 20 Mexted 2 4 18 Solo 2 1 12 Taptiklis 2 10 Aikman-Nordon 2 10 Cooke 2 10 Kavakura 1 5 Davis-Hearily 1 5

Sieverts 1 5 Janis 1 5

Overall MVP Points

Name Points Mexted 13 Taptiklis 11 Gray 9 Solo 6 Cavubati 6 Shaw-Tait 6 Va’a 4 Peachey 4 Fiso 3 Naylor 2 Aikman-Nordon 2 Stevens 2 Jansen 1 Sieverts 1 Tholen 1 Janis 1

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 08/08/15

Scots College U15 v Wellington College. Division 1 knockout quarter final

Venue and conditions: Wellington College: Clear, cold and very boggy

Result: Scots 24-10

Tries: Isaiah Peachy 2, Jack Mexted Conversions: Thomas Woods 3 Penalties: Woods 1

MVP: 3, 2, 1

3 = Jack Mexted 2 = Isaiah Peachey 1 = Roderick Solo

Match Report: Scots entered this game as massive underdogs. The last time these two teams met, Wellington College inflicted Scots first loss of the season with a devastating 50 point victory. Scots knew that we were going to have to muscle up and show some courage against a larger, more physical Wellington College team. The game started with Wellington College applying immense pressure on the Scots defensive line; however we refused to yield and turned back wave after wave of attacking thrusts. The loose forward trio of Ezekiel Fiso, Isaiah Peachey and Oliver Aikman-Nordon were outstanding on the fringes and made tackle after tackle, which forced Wellington College into errors. Eventually, after a sustained period of defence, we managed to turn the ball over and launch a counter attack. This resulted in a crucial try to Jack Mexted from a sweeping back line move that was finished with a cheeky grubber kick and regather from Mexted. The confidence that we got from scoring first after such a sustained defensive effort was huge. We lifted in intensity and started making numerous breaks though the backline. The game kept going backwards and forwards, from one end to the next but our defensive line proved too strong for Wellington College whose attacking raids were continually repelled. In contrast, we were able to breach their line consistently, which resulted in two tries to the strong-running Isaiah Peachy, all converted by Thomas Woods. The halftime lead of 24-0 was unexpected but entirely deserved. We knew that Wellington College would be desperate to score after the break and needed to eat into our lead as quickly as possible. This meant that the longer we could hold them out, the more mistakes they would make as they began to panic. At the whistle, Wellington College tore into us and the lift in intensity was obvious. With their season on the line, they threw everything they had at us. Three times they got over our try-line only to be held up by some gutsy last ditch tackles. Eventually the pressure, territory and possession told and they crashed over out wide. However, many minutes were used up and only 15 minutes remained, while we were still 24-5 ahead. With five minutes to go, they scored again but failed to convert and at 24-10, the lead was safe. This was the last scoring act of the game and the final whistle brought a wave of celebration as Wellington College’s season was ended by a resolute Scots team. With such a courageous defensive effort, it was very hard to single players out for performance, but Jack Mexted as stand- in captain was outstanding. He was able supported by the whole loose forward trio, and special mention should go to Roderick Solo and Oliver Aikman-Nordon who were both outstanding despite playing out of position.

Match Report: Overall Points Scorers

U65

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 22/08/15

Scots Under 65 kg’s v St. Pat’s Town (Final)

Venue and conditions: St. Pat’s Silverstream – Ground No: 4 – Beautiful sunny day, light wind

Result: Scots 29 – St. Pat’s Town 5

Coach’s comment: Champions! The U65’s crowned a great season with a strong all- round performance in the final with every player from 1 to 22 playing his part in this well- deserved and resounding victory. From the kick off Scots showed their intent and the ball was recycled over numerous phases with strong running and good clean out work by the forwards. The first whistle of the match was for our first try (scored by Alex Guerin) which came at the end of over 20 phases of play. The extras were missed but we were 5 – 0 to the good and straight back on attack. Scots continued to dominate for much of the half and further scores were added by Levi Orupe who was having his best game of the season and another by Alex Guerin to bring to his season tally to 18. We went into the half leading 17 – 5 and after some changes we were back into the action for the second half.

Max Gibbs was all over the field at open side charging forward and making tackles, he was ably assisted by Hamish Mansell who again came on to ‘Do Da Damage’ in the second half as we knew he would. Connor Nelson at fly half was having a great game and taking on the line and bumping off all comers, Harry Fraser again put in a great performance from prop being one of the most mobile and tireless players on the park. Jake Thomson again showed his knack for scoring and finished a lovely move taking a perfectly timed pass from Levi Orupe to crash over and make it 22 – 5, he failed with the conversion but the scoring was not over. Levi crowned his man-of- the-match performance with his second try and this Jake converted to take the final score to 29 – 5. I would like to thank all the players for their hard work and dedication to training in all weathers and for putting in the good performances every week. Thanks also to the parents and supporters who also came rain or shine and made a big difference to our performances and especially Ian Burns for the half-time lollies!! Last but not least to Pete Connell and Cliff Montu for their coaching and commitment to the team over the season – well done everyone Division 2 – U65 kg Champions 2015.

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 15/08/15

Scots Under 65 kg’s v Kapiti (Semi Final)

Venue and conditions: Scots 1 – Beautiful sunny day, light wind

Result: Scots 29 – Kapiti 17

Coach’s comment: Finals football here we come! A well-earned victory over a strong and determined Kapiti side. Our first half performance was largely forgettable and we were outplayed in the loose and especially at the tackle ball (shades of the All Blacks problems with the Wallabies last week!). Our tackling was also poor and we came into the break 12 – 5 down with lots to do to get back into the game. Stern words from coaches Connell and Montu and some changes saw us start the second half well and there was some great driving play from the forwards who were finally playing as an eight and making inroads into the fringing Kapiti defence which was at best level with the off-side line!! Harry Fraser and Caelan Burns combined well to take the ball up strongly and Max Gibbs and Hamish Mansell profited with two tries to Max and one to Hamish. Will Stewart played well at half back and cleared the ball well to his outsides where Connor Nelson now at first five marshalled the back line well and added a couple of extras. The final score was 29 – 19 and we move into the final week of the season with every chance of taking the Division Two crown

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 15/08/15

MVP: 3 = Max Gibbs & Hamish Mansell 2 = Harry Fraser & Will Stewart 1 = Caelan Burns & Ioane Fiso

Points Scored Name Tries Conver. Pen. Drop. Total Jake 1 5 Thomson Connor 2 4 Nelson Hamish 1 5 Mansell Max Gibbs 2 10 Alex Guerin 1 5

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 8/08/15

Scots Under 65 kg’s v Paraparaumu

Venue and conditions: Scots 1 – Cold, overcast, windy

Result: Scots 39 – Paraparaumu 17 Coach’s comment: Going into the game we were top of the table despite being defaulted in our recent game against Kapiti (a 36-36 draw) for fielding an un-registered player. We were sitting on 22 points. A win today would deliver us the minor premiership and a home semi-final.

In difficult conditions that were not really suited to free flowing rugby football we managed to dominate the scoreboard and came out on top with a flattering 39 – 17 win. Paraparaumu gave us a very good test, they were competitive in the forwards and often outplayed us at ruck time where they showed more commitment and better technique. We were however better at taking our chances and Alex Guerin again showed his try scoring ability with 4 tries to add to the 6 he scored last week! We were strong in the lineout and made good inroads from broken play situations. There was some very good tackling but we still need to work hard on some of our decision making and communication, especially when defending. Will Stewart directed things well from half-back and Aaron Townsend ran strongly with the ball. Other notable performers were Amos Manktelow who also carried well along with Fergus Scott, Max Gibbs and Michael Spiers. A lot to do in training this week but we have put ourselves in a great position and a chance at the overall title. Well done to the whole team for the efforts today and over the season to date, now it’s time to show that we have what it takes to go all the way.

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 8/08/15

U55

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 15th August 2015

U55 v Onslow College

Venue and conditions: Scots College – Fine and Warm.

Result: 17 – 15 Onslow

In a game where the battle was worthy of a final, the Scots under 55s went down fighting to an Onslow team that were more accurate and aggressive at the breakdown. From a well-managed pre match build up from Captain and Man of the Match, Harry Beverly and Vice-Captain Adam Bisset, the Scots team came out firing, driving into the Onslow 22 and scoring with their first opportunity on the back of some good forward drives and runs by Vincent Njovu and Will Park. Onslow quickly countered applying pressure on the Scots line, only to be repelled after a try saving hit from Jack Healy who drove the Onslow forward back, forcing a pressure relieving penalty. But Onslow had come to play, working themselves back into the Scots 22 and finally scoring out wide. A try a piece was scored in the reminder of the half as this semi-final arm wrestle began to develop. After 30mins of rugby the teams were locked at 10 all.

From the start of the second half Onslow came out to win this game and take revenge for the home loss Scots U55s had inflicted just weeks before. For over 15mins Onslow attacked the Scot’s line with wave after wave of forward drives. Scots held defiant, determined to hold their line. Through their defensive efforts the U55s gave themselves many chances to exit their 22 but too often made simple errors that kept them on the ropes with Onslow applying more and more pressure every time. On a number of occasions Onlsow crossed the line but Scots denied them with desperate defence. Eventually the pressure told and Onlsow scored in a position that allowed them the conversion that would separate the two teams in the end.

At the start of the year that would have been the end for this team. No now. 7 points down, Scots dug deep to find something to get them back in the game. As a team they march their way onto the Onslow try line and would not be denied, even after crucially turning the ball over, as Harry Beverly pounced brilliantly on Onslow’s clearing kick to put his team within two of locking it up.

In the remaining minutes Scots was unable to secure enough possession for long enough at the right end of the field to mount another attack as Onslow searched for the safety of distance from their line with deep kicks, managing to have the possession when the final whistle blew.

Points: 3 – Harry Beverly

2 – Will Park

1 – Jack Healy

Scots College Rugby Club

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 4th July 2015

U55 v Wellington College 2

Venue and conditions: Silver Stream 2 – Cold and Heavy under foot.

Result: Default to friendly 67 – 17 Scots

After a late change of venue and time Silverstream were forced to default due to a lack of players. Fortunately they managed to gather a few of their A team to get a game for us. The boys took it in good spirit and played some really entertaining rugby. It was especially pleasing to see them implementing the next step in our evolution, developing from individuals running as far as they can until they are tackled, then waiting for support to secure ruck ball, to looking for support and passing once the initial break has been made.

Despite the large score the game was competitive, and the role that Man of the Match Ben Stewart played in counter rucking and hooking the ball on opposition scrums was fundamental to the entertaining game we were able to play. Harry Beverly, with support from Jack Healy, masterfully worked the blind side, to Vincent Njovu who is consistently one of our most potent attacking weapons. The organisation and alternating use of backs and forwards to create space and go forward ball is becoming a hallmark of this team’s game.

Points: 3 – Ben Stewart

2 – Harry Beverly

1 – Vincent Njovu

Y7 & Y8

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT 4th July 2015

Y7 Y8 1st XV v Medbury Y7 & Y8 1st XV

CAPTAIN’S REPORT

16-0

20 August 2015

This for me was a great game, we had a fun time but sadly leaving with a loss by 2 tries and two penalty kicks. We played a team called Medbury coming all the way from Christchurch leaving them with a win and us with a loss. That was alright though. We had our best game of the season giving them a lower score and playing our hearts off. They had good sports man ship and a great passion for rugby. It was a very close game and also challenging too but next time we play we will give them even more of a challenge. We all enjoyed ourselves having our best game of the season .we would like to thank the coaches the supporters and the ref but most importantly we would like to thank the players from coming over from Christchurch.

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT

Y7 Y8 1st XV v Lindisfarne Y7 & Y8 1st XV

Lindisfarne Thursday 10th September

Venue – Prince of Wales Park This was truly a highlight of our season. Who played well? Safe to say it was a team effort. Although our opponents hadn’t had as much time together as we had they were all seasoned players in their own leagues in the Hawkes Bay.

Maea was in a league of his own but still involved the rest of the team, probably better than ever before. This man has matured hugely on the pitch this term. Try of the day was Toby Bates with a dummy pass to soften a tackle as he strode across the try line. We grew ten foot tall during this game playing like we had trained all season. The knowledge gained from the Auckland tour was evident. Max Barber Ward was coming back to full strength and Doug McJarrow ran with ease alongside Daniel Tafili.

We were missing some stars through illness and the like but our boys rose to the occasion and executed a great win

10th September 2015 Venue – Prince of Wales Park Captain’s Report. This was the best game for the forwards and the backs as we worked together leaving the other team (Lindisfarme) with a loss. We gave it our all and it definitely paid off. Me personally, I thought the forwards worked better as a team than in any other game that we have played in! The score was 32-17 leaving them with 15 points behind. The scorers of our game were Maea (2), Daniel, Ben, Doug and Toby. Lastly I would like to thank the supporters the ref and obviously Lindisfarne.

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT

Y7 Y8 1st XV Auckland Tour

Date – 2nd September 2015

We took off from Wellington airport early on Wednesday 2nd September headed for the grand city of Auckland for 3 matches in 3 days against the best that the region could throw at us.

They didn’t disappointed and they certainly didn’t hold back. Some great leadership by captain Max Barber-Ward and pack leaders Jacob Hawtin and Maea Tema-Schmidt our boys fought bravely against far bigger opponents. Never let it be said that the Scots Years 7&8 boys of 2015 did not put their bodies on the line for the college as bloodied noses and bruised ribs were lined up again and again after each restart. After losing to both Kings and Saint Kentigerns the real highlight came when we visited Dilworth. Daniel Tafili stepped up his game with Ifeanyi Nnebechukwu on his shoulder to help us get onto the scoreboard. John Mitchell and Vinh Peckler grew in confidence as players to be reckoned with in future games. Fraser Harding had an insatiable desire to retrieve the ball at the breakdown time and again.

The game finished 35-45 in favour of the hosts but the day will be remembered for another rugby highlight. Dilworth managed to find a spare room with the rugby channel where our boys could watch the senior boys semi-final and roar the house down. Other highlights included meeting new friends, visiting various Auckland attractions and the excitement of touring as a band of brothers.

WEEKLY RUGBY REPORT

Y7 Y8 1st XV v Medbury Y7 & Y8 1st XV

Thursday 20th August

Coaches’ comments

It is with great appreciation to parents for putting their hands up to give a bed for the Medbury boy’s from Christchurch at the end of their gruelling North Island tour.

Having beaten Wellesley Medbury were confident of a great score against Scots College Years 7&8. Out of the blocks after an inspiring haka joseph Gundesen and, once again, Jacob Hawtin took the game back the scruff of the neck and overawed our opponents at scrum and ruck time. However our outside backs seemed dumbfounded with the amount of clean ball and the attention of some very strong Medbury backs. The few breaks got boys stranded and turn over ball went the way of our visitors.

Their counterattack saw gaps in our stretched offence turned defence and scores slipped in either side of half time. Thomas Woodward made some ground and Elliott Phillips obviously did not care to much for his opposite number making plenty of good tackles and turn overs as a result. I think we learned a lot from this experience and saw how far we had come this season. An honourable mention to Doug McJarrow and ever staunch Maea Tema-Schmidt for some great work.

CAPTAINS REPORT

16-0

20 August 2015