Winter tournament week - Under 15 Blues Rugby
By Charlie Scott | Posted: Thursday September 7, 2023
Last week the Under 15 Blues rugby team travelled to Hamilton to compete in the Under 15 National Invitational Rugby Tournament hosted by Hamilton Boys' High School.
As we would learn straight away, the standard at this competition is exceptional with 16 of the toughest and most talented rugby schools in the nation fiercely fighting it out to be crowned champions.
There is no doubt that we found ourselves in an extremely tough pool and day one was going to be a big one. After a closely fought match in the first game, we went down to Napier Boys' High School and lost our star fullback and great defender, Eden Smith, with a broken wrist. That afternoon we met a fast running and well drilled Hastings Boys' High School who ran away with an impressive victory. After ice baths, recovery, and review, the OBHS men were determined to learn from day one and put their best foot forward on day two as they took on the tournament hosts on their main field in front of their own supporters; a big challenge to be sure. I was super proud of the way our lads started this game, and apart from a defensive lapse in the first few minutes, we were the better team with most of the running for much of the first half. To their credit, HBHS physical size and perseverance started to pay off as they wrestled control of the game back and never lost it. They were an impressive unit and played some outstanding rugby.
Wednesday presented a new opportunity as the competition reset for the 2nd half of the week. Unfortunately, we would face a rampaging Christchurch Boys' High School (last year’s champions). They took good advantage of our tired legs and played a well-executed game to run away with a convincing win. With our pride hurt and some hard lessons learnt, our lads had some choices to make for our final two games. A lesser group of young men would have folded and given up. However, to their credit, our lads stood strong against two extremely physical sides in Mount Albert Grammar School and Wesley College. Despite losing two close games, OB’s showed real grit and perseverance to fight to the final whistle.
It is fair to say that our results were not what we wanted. However, the experience of this trip is so valuable for the development both in terms of rugby and life. I’m confident that our men will come away with an understanding of what it will take to get to the top. They have seen the preparation and commitment needed and proven to themselves that they are not far off the mark.
Off the field, our lads were a pleasure to take away. They were well mannered with the public and grateful to the adult helpers.
Whilst everyone involved had some very strong performances throughout stages of their week, I would like to acknowledge a couple of players who really stood out. Our captain Toby McClean, lead with pride and effort and never stopped competing. He has had an excellent season and tournament and has done himself proud. Coen Breen, Liko Edwards, Jack West, Jacob Perenara, Jacob Parkinson, Lucas Brennsell and Jono Tavake were also excellent across the whole week. Coming off an outstanding offload from Coen Breen, Jacob Parkinson’s try in the final game was our try of the tournament.
Finally and most importantly, I want to say a huge thank you to the adults that helped on the trip. Thanks to Jarrod Scott of Vogel Street Physio and Pilates who dedicated his services for the whole week free of charge to our lads. His expertise and passion were invaluable for us were greatly appreciated. Thank you also to Andrew King who came away as the manager for the week and also coached the 15 Whites throughout the season. He has been a great support to us. Further thanks to Matt Breen and Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana who stayed with us all week and helped cook and manage off-field needs all week long. Your help was greatly appreciated. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank Pelu Taele-Pavihi for being a fantastic guy to coach alongside all season. Pelu is a proud old boy and an outstanding role-model for all our young men. His sporting expertise and experience is awesome and his work ethic, manner and commitment to our lads is an absolute credit to him. Thank you Pelu for your huge commitment and support. You’re a legend.
An effort like this only happens with the support and hard work of family and friends, through fundraising and preparation. Thank you to the those that led this and supported the lads and us in these endeavours.
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