Page 76 - Southwell School Year Book 2019

RUGBY
Once again, the rugby family at Southwell continued its growth in 2019 thanks to a supportive parent body, dedicated coaches and an enthusiastic student body. The season encompassed a variety of experiences for the players including grading games, a 10-A-Side competition, semi-finals, finals, girls' rugby teams and successful representative campaigns for many players.
Rippa rugby was back on the menu this year, with a passionate parent team of Mr Hobson, Mrs Maber and Mrs Tahere-Manconi upskilling the future of Southwell rugby. The cold, wind and hail didn’t stop this pint-sized powerhouse of players from having a fun- filled year of rugby development. Mr Norman, alongside Mr van Heuven, Mr McLeod and super-manager, Mrs Lilley, sharpened the skills of the keen 9th Grade team. For some, their first year of tackle rugby was a big learning curve, but they overcame their fears and tackled their hearts out.
The 10th Grade was a force to be reckoned with, as their teamwork, toughness and tenacity shone bright every weekend. Hopuhopu 10-a-side was a highlight for this team, displaying a superb skill-set throughout the tournament. Mr Maber, Mr Duncan and magnificent manager, Mrs Hickey, pushed the players towards rugby perfection all season.
The 11th Grade were blessed to have the brilliant Blair & Blair coaching combination, with eagle-eyed manager Mrs Ramsay. The players learnt the ropes of pool play and a points system as the youngest of the competition grade teams. Another big step was playing full field, 15-a-side games which tested the boys' stamina and involved a new game plan to reflect the new surroundings.
The largest gathering of rugby players was in the 12th Grade, an exciting grade full of competition-experienced players who stepped their games up physically and tactically. Luckily the numbers were perfect for a Year 7 and Year 8 split to form two teams. Year 7 Southwell White was expertly coached by Mr Mills, Mr Ross and manager, Mr Merson. These boys formed the backbone of Southwell rugby as their flair and fortitude showed great promise for the 2020 rugby season.
Year 8 Southwell Blue were the highlight of rugby results from the 2019 season as months of hard work and heroic moments resulted in them being crowned Waikato Central A Grade Champions! This was no easy feat, but an experienced coaching team of Mr Botha, Mr Hull and Mr Casey steered this talent in the right direction all season. Many of the players in both the 12th Grade teams were rewarded with representative honours during the season.
Without enough to field a full Southwell 13th Grade team, Mr Tiffany joined forces with an amazing coaching team from Suburbs and Te Rapa. As always, this open weight grade was physically demanding on the boys as they faced opposition who weighed up to 90kgs! Luckily the boys had a fighting spirit and were mentally tougher than the opposition. This season stood the boys in good stead for the demands of high school rugby which I am sure they will be successful at.
Rugby history was made this year with Southwell’s first ever girls’ 7s rugby teams. 28 keen girls trained, tackled and played their hearts out, giving the excited crowd lots to scream and cheer about! The girls formed a cult-following from the rugby community as their infectious spirit and tenacity inspired other players - what great role models!
With this depth of Saturday senior rugby, it was only natural that the 1st & 2nd XV rugby teams enjoyed much success in the mid-week fixture season. With a near 100% win rate, both teams carried the culture and courage of Southwell’s near century old rugby history.
From the haka, to halftime, to handshakes afterwards, the players were full of energy and excitement and more importantly upheld the strong rugby traditions for generations to come.
Elliot Tiffany TIC Rugby
74
Southwell School Yearbook 2019