The U15 team won 3 of their 4 tournament games last week, ultimately losing to St Johns, Hamilton in the Final 21-38.  The team was ably lead by Fergus Benefield who played at 10, 12 and 13 throughout the tournament and never let us down.  Several players saved their best rugby for last. All four props were strong throughout the four days – Tuki Clarke, Duncan Logan, Joe Turner and Liam King all played strongly in each game – even when Tuki was on one leg in the final he still fronted and played well.  Both hookers played well – Jacob Mathers having his best game against Whanganui Collegiate and Jed Bruce inspirational against Rathkeale and St Peter’s in particular, playing the whole game both days.  Locks Oscar Brandon, Riley Burley and Hugo Beardmore were courageous and played especially well in the Friday game against St Peter’s.  Hugo was man of the match that day, Riley played his best game of the season and Oscar scored a cracking try to seal the victory when we looked in trouble at 24 – 21 with 5 minutes to play.  Our loose forwards played well above their weight – Hunter Manaena (who also played strongly at 2nd 5/8) lead the way but Harry Eivers, Hunter Thow, our best lineout forward of the week and Lachie Foley gave 100% for the entire time they were on the field.  Harry iced the Rathkeale match, winning a penalty when a Rathkeale try looked a possibility, Hunter Thow hardly left the field and Lachie Foley was the surprise package at flanker from the GBHS game onwards, playing extremely well on attack and defence.

In the backs Ardie J Smith and Waiariki Hunia formed a well-practiced combination and lead the team around the field well.  Ardie J scored a brilliant try against St Peter’s and Waiariki kicked a couple of clutch conversions to seal the Rathkeale and St Peter’s games.  Fergus, Hunter Manaena and Jay Ladette-Pinfold played predominantly in the mid-field and were always a threat to the opposition on either side of the ball. A highlight of the tournament was Fergus’ scorching tackle in the second half against St Peter’s when their very good 2nd 5/8 looked to put us under real pressure.  Will Symes played well at 12 against Whanganui in the second half and Jay played very well on the wing during the tournament too.  Jay scored crucial tries against Rathkeale and in the Final against St John’s.  It was Will’s two fantastic second half tries against St Peter’s that had us through to the Final – what a great impact.  George Mossman showed what a talented player he is, having a memorable game against Whanganui Collegiate and always trying very hard for the team.  Kiato Buxton certainly didn’t look like the only year 9 player in the team – he was tremendous and showed what a threat he will be next year in the tournament. Fullback, Gus Munro was a crowd favourite and continued the reliability he has shown throughout 2024.  He is strong on attack (as his try in the Final showed) but as a ‘last line of defence’ is superb.

Ultimately, we couldn’t quite get the job done in the Final against St John’s.  We looked a chance, ahead 14 – 7 in the first half and even at 21 – 26 down with 10 minutes to play looked like we could snatch victory but in the end St John’s simple game plan and superior size won the battle, scoring two tries to finish the game.  If we were honest, it was the two St John’s tries either side of halftime that sunk us.  We went from being 14-12 ahead to be trailing 14 – 26 in the space of 10 playing minutes.  All players can be proud of their contributions to the week.  There is no shame in losing a game when you give 110% like that.  This group of players will learn a lot from this 2024 tournament and go onto put that knowledge towards many victories in the future.

The playing group owe a huge vote of thanks to our support students.  Charlie Bothamley was originally selected to play in the tournament but was injured the week prior in a PE incident.  Three special players who were not selected gave valuable service to the team throughout the week.  Will Foster, Will Roche and Micah Arnold never let their disappointment get in the way of ensuring the team was well dressed, well-watered and well covered by the video.  They are real ‘team men’ and showed great character to front each day.  After the tournament the team did a tour of gratitude and thanked the fantastic kitchen, grounds and laundry staff who all went the extra mile for us and for the tournament in general.  Mr Ben Spriggens did a great job organising the tournament and ensuring that everyone was in the right place at the right time.  Likewise Duncan Bruce and Mr Russel Lennox provided great guidance and coaching for the team throughout the programme.  The team owes them a lot.

Results

v Rathkeale - Won 22-21

v Whanganui Collegiate - Won 61–14 PHOTOS

v St Peter’s - Won 31-21 PHOTOS

v St John’s Hamilton - Lost 21-38 PHOTOS

Article added: Wednesday 11 September 2024