PRESS CUP RUGBY 2009 REPORT

The 2009 season proved to be very successful with the college achieving a lot of "firsts" in Press Cup. A first win over Marlborough Boys College, a first away win against Timaru Boys College, an exciting first win against St Andrews, a great team achievement in scoring 356 points in a season which is a college record, an individual first of having a player score over 100 points in a season in Kasiano Petelo.

We finished the season with 36 competition points, in 5^th place, the highest finish in St Thomas Press Cup history. On the surface a great season but one in which the team as whole will be disappointed to have not made the top four. The season started with a difficult draw. After the dispatching of Burnside High school 63-5 the team ventured to Nelson for a titanic struggle against the eventual finalists. This was possibly one of our best performances. For 65 minutes St Thomas' 1^st XV played controlled skilled rugby outscoring Nelson for the majority of the game, until a lucky Nelson through kick bounced in the right direction for the flying Nelson fullback. This proved to be the decisive score giving Nelson the victory and denying St Thomas a truly gutsy victory. The draw didn't get any easier as we travelled home for round 3 against SBHS. After an excellent first half which saw St Thomas earning the lead playing into a very strong wind the wheels fell off and SBHS snuck home late in the game as we failed to make use of a very strong wind which was at our backs; many lessons were learnt during this game.

In round 4 we were back at home as winter well and truly settled in and in horrific conditions we hosted Christ College who were proving to be top contenders in 2009. Playing with the wind at our backs in the first half we struggled to gain quality set piece ball against a big well drilled College pack which meant we were unable to use the wind as well as we could. A lucky Christs' try towards the end of the first half meant we would go into the second half behind playing into what was now a gale with the rain and sleet getting heavier. In what was arguably one of our gutsiest second half performances our team ground out an excellent draw against the eventual semi-finalists.

Heading into round 5 against the competition high flyers and our catholic brothers at St Bedes, the St Thomas team were showing signs of wear and tear from the tough start to the competition and this eventually took its toll as we were beaten soundly by St Bedes 7-38. The boys showed a lot of courage in the second half after being down 0-33 at half time to finish the second half 7-7. After a lot of soul searching and hard work we knew if we were truly going to be contenders this year we would need to string a good run of victories together. We achieved this by stringing together 7 straight victories including the two college games against Roncalli and a mighty victory against St Kevins 48-0. We started this run by beating a very strong Waimea team who were coming off the back of a win against CBHS. Early points and a strong finish gave a much needed win 24-15 and valuable competition points. This was followed by a trip to Westport and a resounding 85-0 victory and several records in St Thomas history including highest winning margin and most conversions in a game (10).

With more competition points in the bank and confidence on a high we hosted MBHS in which was a must win game for our top four aspirations. MBHS started strongly and were dominating the breakdown giving them very quick ball which enabled them to stretch us out wide defensively. The St Thomas' boys held on for the first twenty minutes then slowly played their way back into the game finishing the half strongly giving the boys confidence going into the second half. The second spell was all St Thomas' as MBHS struggled to repel wave after wave of St Thomas attack. Three unanswered second half tries gave St Thomas a well deserved 25-13 victory which kept our top four aspirations alive. Our next assignment was the last round before the holidays against Lincoln High School. Our boys showed a lot determination with a large number of boys unable to play and those playing were extremely ill as swine flu started to take its toll. We kept our campaign alive and ground out a win 15-0. The lack of a four try bonus point proved to be costly.

At the end of the holidays we travelled to Timaru for our very important round 11 clash with TBHS. We started very slowly but gradually played ourselves into a strong position showing composure at critical times to ensure a bonus point and a 33-24 victory. This win set up a do or die round 12 match against CBHS at Straven Rd. The equation was simple to win and we would be in the top four or lose and we would be contesting the plate. Playing in front of a very large expectant crowd featuring a lot of St Thomas support from current students and old boys the scene was set. The game started in chaotic fashion with both teams making nervous beginnings. St Thomas settled first with a well worked counter attack finished off with some excellent individual skill on the wing creating our first try. As the game swept from one end of the field to the other the physical contest was brutal as both teams smashed into rucks, tackles and scrums with neither side willing to give an inch. A critical passage of the first half occurred as both St Thomas midfielders were down injured and CBHS were able to take the advantage and scored two tries in what proved to be the crucial scores. St Thomas fought back hard late in the half to close the gap to 13-24. The second half started equally as franticly as St Thomas knew the importance of scoring first, as CBHS withstood wave after wave with excellent defence. The game slowed down and CBHS closed out the game claiming victory. Whilst both teams fell away in the second half and St Thomas came second, this game would rank in memory as one the most physical games in our short Press Cup history.

Our final round game was against St Andrews and while they were fired up for the game the physical toll of our battle the week before was evident. St Andrews dominated the match and the scoring with St Thomas doing enough to stay in touch until the last ten minutes when a well worked try in the midfield gave us the lead in the closing stages but the drama was just beginning. St Andrews spent the last ten minutes camped on the St Thomas' line as they searched for some success in their last round. They crossed the line several times only to be held up and it was with much relief that we knew we had got out of jail in securing a first ever win over St Andrews at Press Cup level. With this victory we finished in 5^th place which meant we would host SBHS at home in the plate semi-final. Unfortunately we played some of our worst rugby in the first half of this game and gave SBHS a twenty point lead before scoring a good try before half time to close the gap. A much improved second half performance saw us eventually take the lead only for SBHS to take back the lead towards the end of the game with a dubious penalty goal. The drama continued as we had a final kick to win which hit the upright and meant our season was over. Our first half performance gave SBHS too much of a head start.

This season we were very fortunate to work with such a talented group of boys. This year we have had a good mixture of exciting young talent and experienced players. We have been well catered for in the front row by Kolio Vailuu in his second year proving to have a high work rate and was very strong at cleaning out in rucks. Luke Payne started the season as a strong scrummager and excellent lifter. A strong off-season will see Luke have a strong season next year. Jordan Koloamatangi came into the team part way through the season and became an integral part of the front row. His ability carrying the ball was a real strength. Tarli Noa was also a late developer. His defensive strength in collisions was outstanding. Viliami Vete was a strong scrummager and his ball carrying ability improved as the season wore on. As these front row boys continue to improve their technique they will all have the promising rugby careers ahead of them. At Lock we have been lucky to have Liam Barry who got stronger as the season progressed. His ability in the air in lineouts and at kick offs ensured a good supply of ball. Kyle Burke was a true team player with an extremely high work rate, he was true toiler and had an excellent season. Gerrard Radburnd contributed to the team on all levels, his effectiveness at the breakdown and his lineout ability improved he will have a strong season next year. Uwe Helu was one the most devastating ball runners in competition and at times he was untouchable. His try against SBHS in the plate semi-final will last long in memory. Sean Leckie, our captain, proved to be a strong ball runner his second half performance against St Andrews re-vitalised our performance and went a long way towards securing a victory. Callum Walls, back in the squad after a 12 month absence, bought a real hard edge to our pack as he was always totally committed on the field. Jason Hall had limited game time but when on the field demonstrated good game sense and had good ability securing ball on the ground. Our young No. 8 Matt Elia went from strength to strength and developed into an excellent prospect for next year. A big off-season and some more growing will see Matt a dominant force next year. At halfback Jesse Donnelly improved each week and played some great rugby. His performance against CBHS and Nelson were first class. Lewis Allan was our "go to man". He could cover most positions in the backline but his strength was at half back where he could display his box kicking and enthusiastic play.  James Foster proved to be a good distributor when called on. At 1^st 5 Kasiano Petelo was a steadying influence and his accurate goal kicking saw him finish highest points scorer off the boot in the Press Cup in 2009. In the mid field we have been fortunate to have two of the best players in the grade in Fia Meafou and Patrick Stehlin. Both players are bruising defenders and a constant threat on attack. Fia finished the season as top try scorer and his ability on attack saw him break the tightest defences. His game against CBHS will be remembered. The wings spots were keenly contested all year by Jonathan Lester who worked extremely hard on his game. His try against CBHS was a great individual effort. Karl Belcher, in his third year, was always a steady player who made few errors and always worked hard off the ball. Fraser Austin had limited game time but displayed a lot of potential improvement in his skill level and this will see him have a big year in 2010. James Tongia possessed a lot of pace and had the ability one on one to beat most defenders. Josh Tansey also improved a great deal this season and was a very strong running winger who will have big aspirations for 2010. At Fullback Thomas Scott has a real strength as a great communicator on defence and he has become a strong running fullback. He had an excellent season and is developing into a well rounded full back.

This year we have had some expert coaching and strong management from Phil McKendry, Paddy Blanchfield and Marty Taylor. A big thanks to Hamish Barclay and Paul McCarthy, the coaches of the second XV, for their patience and flexibility in allowing players to move between teams. This year we always had a loyal group of parents that would help with the after match functions and a loud voice on the sideline. We are very fortunate to have such support.

This season has been a real turning point in St Thomas rugby as now the College has true self belief. This has been something that has taken a lot of hard work. We all look forward to another big year in 2010.

By Steve Hart

 

Match Report 10th June

COLLEGE GAME VS ST KEVINS

This year 2009 is the 48^th time St Thomas and St Kevin's have contested for the G Airey Cup. The ledger currently reads St Thomas 16 wins St Kevin's 29 wins with 2 years when the exchange was cancelled due to snow and 1 draw. This year's contest started in the traditional manner of both schools performing passionate hakas, once the formalities were completed the action started with St Thomas playing into a gale force wind. The early exchanges were tight with St Thomas gaining early dominance at set piece and thus dominating possession. This early domination in possession was translated into early points with St Thomas scoring two early tries to lead 10-0.

The St Thomas boys used the ball extremely well running the ball several times from their own line and as the half closed the St Kevin's boys were showing signs of fatigue and two more tries were posted giving St Thomas a powerful 20-0 lead going into the second half. The second half started in similar vein to the first half with St Thomas breaking the line through the midfield constantly and these breaks were being finished with tries on most occasions. The forward pack laid the platform for the backline to really click and score some scintillating long range tries. As the game ended the score ballooned to 46-0 the largest winning margin by St Thomas over St Kevin's. A lot of credit for this performance has to go to the forward pack who gave the backline go forward ball they have been searching for this season.

Scorers: 

Tries:   K Vailuu, J Donnelly, K Petelo (2) J Lester, F Meafou, M Selave, L Allan.

Conversions: K Petelo (2), J Donnelly (2)

Team List: 1. V. Vete, 2. C. Stewart, 3. K. Vailuu, 4. G. Radburnd, 5. L. Barry, 6. K. Burke, 7. J. Hall, 8. M. Elia, 9. J. Donnelly, 10. K. Petelo, 11. J. Lester, 12. F. Meafou, 13. P. Stehlin, 14. J. Tansey, 15. T. Scott, 16. M. Selave, 17. L. Allan, 18. J. Tongia, 19. K. Belcher, 20. T. Noa, 21. L. Payne, 22. C. Walls

Round 6 Match Report VS. WAIMEA

This week was yet another difficult challenge for the St Thomas 1^st XV against a Waimea team coming off the back of a powerful victory over CBHS 1^st XV. The game started in a positive vein for the St Thomas team by opening the scoring after just two minutes. The try was created by a patient build up through several phases until Kolio Vailuu scored after some excellent handling by Matt Elia on the blind side. In the early exchanges Waimea showed a clear dominance at the set piece with a very powerful scrum and tall lineout causing St Thomas to cherish whatever possession they had. The St Thomas team did this by being dominant at the breakdown captain Sean Leckie leading the way in this area. St Thomas soon scored again with a cleverly worked try to Fia Meafou taking the score out to 12-0 after 15 minutes.

The St Thomas backline was playing with a lot of cohesion and confidence this week showing a desire to move the ball from all parts of the ground this was seen with many sweeping movements starting from strong bursts in the midfield by Meafou and Stehlin. This go forward was being translated into large chunks of territory on the flanks with Lester, Tansey and Scott combining well to score the third try and take a well deserved 17-3 lead into the half. Waimea started the second half with a strong southerly at their backs strongly scoring twice within the first 20 minutes of the half to bring the score back to 17-15. The St Thomas boys were withstanding wave after wave of attack and showed a lot of courage in doing so. After holding firm St Thomas held onto the ball and started to put Waimea back under pressure it wasn't long before this pressure was transferred into points with a well taken try to Kasiano Petelo crashing over from close range after a sustained attack.

The game changed when St Thomas scored this fourth bonus point try with 10 minutes to go this closed the game out. St Thomas will be very happy to take the 5 points out of the game and deny Waimea a bonus point as both teams will be vying for a top 4 berth this year. Liam Barry had a strong game round the field particularly at kick offs and at the break down. Stehlin and Meafou broke the opposition at will and are forming into an excellent combination in the midfield. Josh Tansey in his second start demonstrated a lot of potential.  

Scorers- Tries F. Meafou, T. Scott, K. Vailuu, K. Petelo, K Petelo (2 con)

Team List- 1. V. Vete, 2 C. Stewart, 3 K. Vailuu, 4 L. Barry, 5 K. Burke, 6 J. Hall, 7 S. Leckie©, 8 M Elia, 9 J. Donnelly, 10 K. Petelo, 12 F. Meafou, 13 P. Stehlin, 11 J. Lester, 14 J. Tansey, 15 T. Scott, 16 L Allan, 17 J. Tongia, 18 K Belcher, 19 L Payne, 20 J Koloamatangi, 21 G Radburnd, 22 C Walls 

Match Report VS. St Bedes College 30th May

This week the St Thomas 1^st XV travelled to St Bedes to play the competition leaders. It wasn't to long before we saw why St Bedes has been undefeated at home for two seasons. In what was an outstanding display by the boys from Main North Road in the first 35 minutes, displaying excellent controlled patterned rugby. The first points coming in the first 5 minutes in the match to a well constructed try by St Bedes.

During the first spell St Bedes dominated possession and territory and with a plethora of ball converted most opportunities into points. In the first half young No.8 Matthew Elia showed he is a player with a lot of potential with some outstanding skill and powerful bursts. The half time score sadly read 0-31. An exhausted St Thomas side re-grouped at half time and set to put some pride back into their performance. St Thomas started the second half with a lot more passion and accuracy at set piece. With more possession and better option taking the St Thomas side started to compete and mount some pressure on a very good St Bedes team. St Bedes opened the scoring 15 minutes into the second spell but this was the only points St Bedes would score in the first half. For the rest of the half St Thomas dominated possession and territory and started to play some good rugby.

The turn around was well lead by skipper Sean Leckie who gave 100% all game. Patrick Stehlin who moved back into the midfield at half time put on several bone rattling tackles which would have left several St Bedes players sore on Sunday morning. St Thomas finished the second half with a well taken try to Liam Barry. A much improved second half in which both teams scored one converted try should give the St Thomas boys a lot of confidence going into next weeks home match against Waimea.

Team List: 1. Luke Payne, 2. Kolio Vailuu, 3. Viliami Vete, 4. Liam Barry, 5. Kyle Burke, 6. Callum Walls, 7. Sean Leckie, 8. Uwe Helu, 9. Lewis Allan, 10. Kasiano Petelo, 11. Jonathan Lester, 12. Fia Meafou, 13. Thomas Scott, 14. Karl Belcher, 15. Patrick Stehlin, 16. Jesse Donnelly, 17.James Tongia, 18. Josh Tansey, 19. Campbell Stewart, 20. Jason Hall, 21. Jordan Koloamatangi, 22. Gerard Radburnd.

Match Report VS. Christ College.

The match played in gale force southerly winds and rain saw St Thomas play with the wind at their backs in the first half. Christs started strongly but it wasn't long before St Thomas used the strong wind and swept onto attack. Strong defence and a very good set piece allowed Christs to keep in the game. St Thomas had a major blow inside the first five minutes losing outstanding No. 8 Uwe Helu, this bought young year 11 replacement Matt Elia into the game.

Christs proved very efficient at the breakdown with a number of turnovers and their very tall lineout were proving hard to compete with. As Christs started to dominate possession a mis-directed kick allowed the College winger to gather the kick and run 60 metres to touch down and take a 5-0 lead into the wind. St Thomas re-started strongly and moved up the field pinning college into their 22 for long periods forcing college to try and kick their way out of trouble which they struggled with. With time in the first half winding down and College looking to take a lead to the half having played into the wind. Replacement number 8 Matt Elia charged a laboured College clearing kick and scampered 15m in goal to control the ball and force for the try. The conversion by Kasiano Petelo hit the upright. The ref's whistle for half time blew shortly after half time score 5-5 and Christ College were in a strong position heading into the second half with the strong southerly at their backs.

Christ College started the second half strongly and were soon pounding on the St Thomas goal line ... wave after wave was defended. The referee found an infringement and Christ College scored an early penalty 8-5. In what was an inspired next 30 minutes by St Thomas where they had the better of both territory and possession they ground their way back into the match soon drawing level with a well taken penalty to Kasiano Petelo. The rest of the match become an arm wrestle between both packs with Kolio Vailuu to fore taking numerous hit ups and taking valuable yards each time.

St Thomas produced a last opportunity near the end with Matt Elia who had a strong all round game breaking off the back of the scrum the pass to full back Patrick Stehlin only just missing the mark and Christs survived. The 8-8 draw was a fair reflection of the match both teams will be left rueing their inability to control the match with the wind at their backs. Ironically both teams produced their best rugby playing into the wind. St Thomas will take a lot from the character and passion they played with in the second half and this could well be a turning point for the 2009 side as they look forward to next weeks challenge against St Bedes College.

Scorers for St Thomas: Matthew Elia (Try) Kasiano Petelo( 1 pen)

St Thomas- 1. Luke Payne, 2. Kolio Vailuu. 3. Viliami Vete, 4. Liam Barry, 5. Kyle Burke, 6. Callum Walls, 7. Sean Leckie, 8. Uwe Helu, 9. Lewis Allen, 10. Kasiano Petelo, 11. Josh Tansey, 12. Fia Meafou, 13. Thomas Scott, 14. Karl Belcher, 15. Patrick Stehlin, 16. James Foster, 17. Jonathan Lester, 18. Josh Maclean, 19. Jordan Koloamatangi, 20. Jason Hall, 21. Gerrard Radburnd, 22. Matthew Elia.

POINTS TABLE AFTER ROUND 6

 

 

Team	P	W	D	L	BP	P/F	P/A	P/D	PTS
St Bedes	6	6	0	0	5	194	38	156	29
Nelson Coll	6	5	1	0	3	213	54	159	25
Christs Coll	6	4	1	1	3	181	66	115	21
Marl Boys	5	3	0	2	3	134	80	54	15
Waimea Coll	6	3	0	3	3	114	123	-9	15
CBHS	5	2	1	2	4	110	49	61	14
St Thomas	6	2	1	3	4	139	112	27	14
SBHS	6	2	0	4	3	72	157	-85	11
Burnside High	5	2	0	3	2	82	217	-135	10
Lincoln High	5	2	0	3	0	50	105	-55	8
St Andrews	5	1	0	4	3	72	88	-16	7
Timaru Boys	4	1	0	3	1	62	159	-97	5
West Coast	5	0	0	5	0	38	213	-175	0